Diseases That Cause Gums to Bleed
Gum disease is often caused by plaque, which is a sticky substance that traps food and bacteria against the gum line. Over time, bacteria can attack the gums, causing inflammation and sensitivity. If left untreated, gum disease can worsen and cause bleeding while eating, brushing, or flossing. Gum disease has also been linked to heart disease and stroke. Risk factors for gum disease include smoking, poor oral hygiene, pregnancy, diabetes, and wearing dentures. In rare cases, bleeding gums may be a sign of a serious condition such as leukemia. If you notice bleeding gums, it is important to seek dental care right away. Our team at Bison Dentistry can help determine the cause of the problem and, if necessary, make arrangements for further testing.
“ Often, smoking and poor oral hygiene are to blame for gum disease.”
Mouth Injuries
Gums may bleed after a mouth injury, such as from eating sharp foods or suffering a sports injury. Minor injuries may heal on their own, but more severe dental bleeding can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. To prevent dental injuries, you can take some simple precautions such as wearing a mouthguard during sports, avoiding sharp foods, and not using your teeth to cut or tear objects. It is also important to keep dental appliances such as dentures and retainers in good condition. If you need a mouth injury treatment, contact our Tonawanda team. If your appliance no longer fits properly, our dental team at Bison Dentistry can make you a replacement. By following these precautions, you can help protect your teeth and gums from injury.
“Taking some quick and easy precautions can help prevent dental injuries.”
Factors That Cause Gum Bleeding
There are several factors that can cause gum bleeding, including tobacco use, poor nutrition, and certain medications. Smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco can increase the risk of gum disease as these substances dry out the mouth and reduce blood flow to the gums. A poor diet can also lead to vitamin deficiencies, which can cause gum recession. Some prescription medications, such as blood thinners including aspirin, can increase the risk of oral bleeding. If you experience gum bleeding and are taking any of these substances or medications, it is important to contact your healthcare provider or a dental clinic like Bison Dentistry for further advice and gum treatment in Tonawanda.
“Smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco all increase one’s risk for gum disease”
How to Stop Gums from Bleeding
To stop gums from bleeding, it is important to continue practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing teeth twice daily. Use a soft-bristled brush and be gentle when brushing. Floss carefully to remove any debris stuck in the gums. You may also benefit from using a mouthwash or a saltwater rinse to help clear up infection and shrink swollen gums. These treatments can also flush away debris and prevent plaque buildup, which is a crucial part of gum disease treatment.
Post-Visit Care
Maintaining good dental hygiene is essential for reducing gum bleeding. Our gum treatment team in Tonawanda can demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques during your office visits, and provide recommendations for mouthwashes and rinses that may help reduce bleeding and gum disease. Each patient will receive personalized instructions on how to care for their gums once they return home. Individual treatment plans may vary.
“Good dental hygiene can reduce gum bleeding.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Bleeding gums can signify an underlying health problem. If you notice that your gums are inflamed, contact your dental provider right away. A dentist can examine your gums and determine the source of the problem.
A. Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis develops when plaque and bacteria become trapped against the gum line. Treatment can get rid of plaque and destroy the bacteria.
Bleeding gums can also result from:
- Pregnancy
- Prescription drugs
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Bleeding disorders
- Poor brushing habits
- Ill-fitting dental appliances
Our dental team can provide an in-depth exam to determine the cause of your symptoms.
A. Our team begins by identifying the cause of your symptoms. If you have gingivitis, our team can perform a scaling and root planing procedure. This treatment removes plaque and bacteria from below the gums. If your symptoms have a different cause, we deliver the appropriate treatment. As part of your treatment, our team demonstrates proper brushing techniques. We also adjust dental appliances to ensure a comfortable fit.
Many patients mistakenly believe that gum bleeding is normal. But healthy gums should not bleed, even during flossing or a dental checkup. If you notice that your gums bleed while flossing, contact our team. We can check your gums for signs of gingivitis or other dental problems.
Up to 40% of pregnant women experience gum disease during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make you more susceptible to gum disease. Make sure to keep up with dental checkups while pregnant, and notify your team of any new symptoms. Prompt treatment can keep the problem from progressing.
