Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you may have gingivitis or gum inflammation. Although gingivitis is common and reversible, it can progress into periodontitis or gum disease. As gum inflammation professes, many patients experience painful symptoms that can affect their daily life. To learn more about gum disease and how our dental office can help you treat it, see Periodontal Therapy.

Dr. Brent Blaylock helps his patients treat bleeding gums in his Durham, NC, dental office. This stage of gum disease has painful symptoms, and some of the effects are permanent. That is why it is extremely important that you come into our office at the first sign of bleeding gums.

What is Gum Disease?

When patients don’t practice proper dental hygiene, bacteria in the mouth form plaque on the teeth, and this bacteria may cause your gums to become inflamed, which results in red, swollen, or bleeding gums. For many people with gingivitis, this inflammation is not painful. If you catch gingivitis early, it can be reversed and healed with proper oral hygiene. But left untreated, gingivitis can worsen and ultimately lead to tooth loss.

Some of the most common signs of gum inflammation and infection include:

• Swollen gums
• Gum tenderness
• Bleeding when brushing and flossing
• Red or purple-tinged gums
• Bad breath (Halitosis)
• Deep gum pockets
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth

Please let Dr. Blaylock or a member of his dental team know if you have noticed any of these symptoms. Any changes in your teeth and gums can worsen over time. It is important to take note of these changes and schedule a dental appointment so we can find the cause of your symptoms.

How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

The best way to prevent a gum infection is to practice good oral hygiene on a regular basis. Brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day removes harmful bacteria that easily build up on the teeth and gums. Flossing before you brush your teeth can remove food debris and make it easier for you to clean between the teeth. Try to make sure you brush before bed, after meals, and for a least two minutes per session.

You can also see Dr. Blaylock at least twice per year for regular screenings and checkups. During these routine visits, Dr. Blaylock and his dental team can find early signs of dental problems like gingivitis and prevent them from becoming serious issues. His dental hygienists can also provide deep cleaning treatments at routine visits. Scaling and root planing are used in tandem to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gums and the tooth roots. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that can cover the teeth and gums. If it is left in the mouth, it hardens to become tartar. It can be difficult to remove tartar, but a specialist with the right dental tools can help.

Schedule A Dental Consultation

If you are suffering from swollen or bleeding gums regularly, call 919-518-9963. You can also request a dental appointment with Dr. Blaylock on our website. Please let Dr. Blaylock know if you have any questions about your current symptoms and he will be glad to help.