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.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Learn more about bleeding gums in Allen, TX, with answers to these common questions:
Can a dental cleaning treat bleeding gums?
Yes, a dental cleaning in our Allen, TX, dental office can help treat bleeding gums. If you have plaque or tartar irritating your gums, we can remove it with a cleaning. This inflammation causes your gums to bleed.
Are bleeding gums a dental emergency?
Bleeding gums are usually not a dental emergency but can be a sign of gum disease. If your gums bleed a little when you brush or floss, it might mean you need to clean your teeth better. See our dentist if your gums continue to bleed, feel swollen, or hurt.
Bleeding that doesn’t stop or happens with other symptoms, like loose teeth, could be a bigger problem and may need emergency dentistry care. Our dentist can check your gums and help stop the bleeding.
Can stress cause bleeding gums?
Yes, stress can contribute to bleeding gums, but not directly. When you’re stressed, your body produces more of a hormone called cortisol, which can weaken your immune system. A weaker immune system makes it harder for your body to fight off bacteria in your mouth. This can lead to more plaque buildup, gum inflammation (gingivitis), and eventually bleeding gums.
Can diet affect gum health?
Yes, your diet can affect your gum health. Eating a balanced diet helps keep your gums and teeth strong, while poor eating habits can harm them. Foods rich in vitamins like C (found in oranges, strawberries, and broccoli) and D (found in fish and fortified milk) help keep your gums healthy. Vitamin C helps prevent gum inflammation and bleeding. Calcium (found in dairy products and leafy greens) is also essential for strong teeth and bones.
Eating too much sugar or processed foods can lead to plaque buildup on your teeth. But drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria to keep your mouth clean and your gums healthy. Foods like apples, carrots, and celery can also help clean your teeth and stimulate your gums as you chew.
Can smoking lead to bleeding gums?
When you smoke, the chemicals in tobacco reduce blood flow to your gums. Smoking makes it harder for your gums to get the oxygen and nutrients they need to stay healthy. Over time, this weakens your gums.
Smoking also weakens your immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off bacteria in your mouth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and tartar in your mouth.
Why do my gums bleed after a dental cleaning?
If your gums bleed after a dental cleaning, it’s usually because of inflammation caused by plaque and tartar buildup. When plaque isn’t removed regularly, it can make your gums swollen and sensitive. Our hygienist removes this buildup during a cleaning, which can cause bleeding if your gums are already irritated.
Can antibiotics help bleeding gums?
Yes. Antibiotics can help with bleeding gums, but only if the cause is a bacterial infection like gum disease. We may prescribe antibiotic mouth rinses, gels, or pills to kill bacteria and reduce swelling.
What do I do if I injure my gums and they bleed?
If you injure your gums and they start bleeding, follow these steps to help them heal:
- Rinse your mouth: Use warm salt water to clean the area and reduce swelling.
- Apply gentle pressure: Use a clean cloth or gauze to press on the bleeding spot until it stops.
- Use ice: Hold an ice pack or cold spoon against your gums to help with pain and swelling.
- Avoid touching the injury: Don’t poke at it with your tongue or fingers.
- Eat soft foods: Stick to gentle foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes until your gums feel better.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, the cut is deep, or your gums look infected, see a dentist right away!
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.