At our Allen, TX, dental office, we understand how concerning it can be to notice that your gums are bleeding. Whether it happens when you brush your teeth, floss, or even eat certain foods, bleeding gums are a sign that something is wrong. Gum health is an essential part of your overall oral health, and ignoring bleeding gums can lead to more serious issues down the road. We treat dental concerns like bleeding gums to help reverse gum disease and restore your gum health.
Why Gums Bleed
Bleeding gums can be caused by several factors, but one of the most common reasons is gum disease. Gum disease occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up on your teeth and gums. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can irritate your gums. This irritation leads to inflammation, which is often the first stage of gum disease called gingivitis. Gingivitis causes your gums to become swollen, red, and more likely to bleed, especially when you brush or floss.
There are other reasons your gums might bleed as well. Poor oral hygiene is a big factor, but other things like brushing too hard, using a toothbrush with hard bristles, or even a lack of certain nutrients, like vitamin C, can contribute to the problem. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, can also make your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. In some cases, certain medications can cause your gums to bleed as a side effect.
If your gums are bleeding, don’t ignore the problem. Bleeding gums are often an early warning sign that your gums need extra care. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis can lead to the loss of gum tissue, damage to the bone that supports your teeth, and even tooth loss.
How We Treat Bleeding Gums
When you come to our Allen, TX dental office with concerns about bleeding gums, our team will start by assessing the health of your gums. We’ll look for signs of inflammation, check for any tartar buildup, and examine your teeth and gums to determine the extent of the problem. If your bleeding gums are caused by gingivitis or periodontitis, we may recommend a treatment called scaling and root planing.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. This treatment is often recommended for patients who have gum disease because regular cleanings may not be enough to remove the bacteria that have built up below the gum line. By thoroughly cleaning your gums and teeth, scaling and root planing can help stop gum disease in its tracks and give your gums the chance to heal.
The first step of scaling and root planing is scaling. Scaling involves using special dental instruments to remove the plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. This includes cleaning both above and below the gum line to ensure that all bacteria are removed. In some cases, we may use an ultrasonic scaler, which uses vibrations to break up the tartar, making it easier to remove.
Scaling is essential because plaque and tartar irritate the gums, causing inflammation and bleeding. By removing these irritants, we reduce the risk of further gum disease progression and help the gums begin to heal.
After scaling, the next step is root planing. This part of the procedure involves smoothing out the roots of your teeth. When bacteria build up along your gum line, they can cause small pockets to form between your gums and teeth. These pockets can become a breeding ground for more bacteria, leading to further gum disease. During root planing, we smooth the roots of your teeth to help these pockets shrink and allow the gums to reattach more securely to the teeth.
By smoothing the roots, root planing also makes it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to the surface of your teeth in the future. This helps prevent plaque and tartar from building up again and reduces the risk of your gums becoming inflamed and bleeding again.
Aftercare and Healing
After scaling and root planing, taking good care of your gums will ensure proper healing. Your gums may be a little tender or sensitive for a few days after the procedure, but this is normal. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help your gums recover.
In the days following the treatment, you’ll want to brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and be careful not to irritate your gums further. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of infection while your gums heal. We may also recommend using a special toothpaste designed for people with sensitive gums.
After your treatment, you should maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent gum disease from returning. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also essential for maintaining healthy gums. Our team will schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure that your gums are healing properly.
How to Prevent Bleeding Gums
Preventing bleeding gums starts with maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily are key steps in keeping your gums healthy. If you’re unsure about your brushing or flossing technique, our dental team can provide guidance and tips to help you improve your routine.
Brush and Floss
Avoid brushing too hard, as this can damage your gums and make them more likely to bleed. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and use gentle, circular motions when brushing along the gum line. Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. If you find flossing difficult, we can recommend alternatives like dental picks or water flossers.
Eat Healthy
Maintaining a healthy diet can also support your gum health. Foods that are rich in vitamin C, like citrus fruits, strawberries, and leafy greens, can help strengthen your gums and reduce inflammation. Staying hydrated is also essential because it helps your body produce enough saliva to wash away food particles and bacteria from your teeth and gums.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Finally, regular dental checkups are crucial for catching gum problems early. During your routine visits to our Allen, TX dental office, we’ll clean your teeth, check your gum health, and look for any signs of gum disease. If we notice any issues, we can address them early before they become more serious.
Treat Bleeding Gums
We’re here to keep your smile bright and your gums healthy. If you have bleeding gums or have concerns about your gum health, call our Allen, TX office at 972.640.7564. You can also schedule an appointment with us online.