Gum disease is a widespread disorder that affects millions of people in the United States. But what causes it, and how does the disease develop? Understanding the causes of the disease and taking the right steps can reduce your risk of developing periodontal problems.
Healthy gums don’t bleed. If your gums bleed, you could be showing early stages of periodontal disease, or gum disease. It occurs when bacteria found in the plaque builds up on the teeth and along the gum line. Gingivitis and gum inflammation are the early signs that precede advanced periodontitis.
However, not all gingivitis will progress into gum disease if you seek bleeding gums treatment promptly. Know the signs and symptoms of gum disease to prevent bleeding gums, and seek treatment sooner than later.
Signs of Gum Disease
Look for these symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis before they progress. Common signs of gum disease to look out for include:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums
- Red gums
- Loose teeth
- Shifting teeth
- Halitosis, or bad breath
- Mouth sores
- Receding gums
- Toothaches
- Tender gums
Please call our office if you notice these gum disease symptoms. Dr. Shulman will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums to see the extent of your symptoms. Once he knows the stage of your gum disease, he can recommend the right treatment.
Gum Disease Risk Factors
To understand and prevent gingivitis or periodontitis, know the conditions that make you more prone to gum disease. Poor oral hygiene allows plaque and tartar to coat the teeth. This biofilm is the result of bacteria breaking down food particles and can irritate the gum tissue, causing inflammation.
Smoking and tobacco use can make the inflammation worse. In addition, certain medications and treatments can also cause inflamed gums. You may also be genetically predisposed to developing the disease. Common risk factors can include:
- Smoking and using chewing tobacco
- Poor Nutrition
- Teeth clenching and grinding
- Certain medications
- Pregnancy
- A vitamin deficiency
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
The disease often starts as inflammation, also known as gingivitis. Inflamed gums may appear cherry red and feel sore. Then, the tissue pulls away from your teeth and forms pockets at the gum line. Gum disease begins to take hold and cause damage once bacteria invade the pockets.
Patients will experience bleeding when brushing and flossing, gum recession, and bad breath. You can even lose teeth in the late stages of gum disease as you lose support from your gums.
You can prevent gum disease with regular checkups and dental appointments. Visiting our dentist more often and brushing and flossing teeth twice a day can combat gum disease and improve overall tooth and gum health.
But if gingivitis or periodontitis gets worse, treatments can become expensive and time-consuming. Dr. Shulman has treatment options that can prevent further infection and help heal your teeth and bleeding gums.
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Gum Disease Treatment in Northeast Philadelphia, PA
The type of treatment you need will depend on the stage and severity of the disease. If you have bleeding gums from gum disease, Dr. Shulman may use a combination of scaling and root planing, or a deep cleaning.
Scaling and root planing is a process of removing plaque and tartar from the deep pockets of your gums. Normal gums do not have deep pockets, only detached and infected gums. After removing the infection, your gums will begin their natural healing process.
Dr. Shulman may also prescribe an antibacterial rinse to help control bacteria and prevent the infection from returning. For patients with damaged teeth or fillings, restorative dentistry may also be recommended to repair decay and restore oral health.
To learn more about your gum disease treatment options, visit Periodontal therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bleeding gums are a common dental problem that we address in our dental office. We believe that the more knowledge you have about this condition, the easier it will be for you. Hopefully, we can answer all your questions about bleeding gums so that you understand your condition and take steps to improve your oral health.
Is poor or inconsistent oral health what causes gums to bleed?
Yes, not properly caring for your mouth at home can cause bleeding and inflammation in your gums. Your gums can bleed if you have excess plaque buildup, brush too hard, or have gingivitis. You need to see our dentist if you have bleeding and gum inflammation.
Can having low levels of vitamin C cause my gums to bleed?
Yes, low vitamin C levels may cause bleeding gums. Vitamin C is important because it helps your body repair tissues and fight infections. When your body doesn’t get enough vitamin C, your gums can become red, swollen, and more prone to bleeding, even when you brush or floss gently. Eating foods like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers or taking supplements can help your gum health.
Why are my gums bleeding while flossing?
If your gums bleed when you floss, it may be a sign that plaque and tartar have built up around your teeth and gums. This buildup can irritate and damage your gums, making them bleed easily. Bleeding while flossing is most often caused by poor oral hygiene or gum inflammation.
Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed when you floss. Talk to Dr. Shulman if your gums bleed regularly. He can check for gum disease or other issues and help you get your gums get healthy and strong.
Can pregnancy cause my gums to bleed?
Yes, pregnancy can make your gums more likely to bleed. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gum tissue more sensitive and inflamed, a condition called “pregnancy gingivitis.” You might notice your gums swelling, turning red, or bleeding when you brush or floss.
Good oral care is important during pregnancy. Brush gently twice a day, floss carefully, and visit your dentist regularly. Treating any inflammation early can help keep your gums healthy for you and your baby.
Can vaping or smoking make bleeding gums worse?
Yes. Vaping and smoking can harm your gums and make them more likely to bleed. Tobacco and e-cigarette chemicals reduce blood flow to your gum tissue, which slows healing and makes inflammation worse.
People who smoke or vape are also more likely to develop gum disease, which can lead to swelling, bleeding, and even tooth loss if not treated. Quitting or cutting back, along with good oral hygiene, can help improve gum health and reduce bleeding.
Can certain medications cause my gums to bleed?
Yes. Some medications, including blood thinners, anti-seizure drugs, and certain heart or blood pressure medications, can make your gums more likely to bleed. If you notice bleeding gums after starting a new medication, talk to your dentist or doctor.
Can stress affect my gums?
Yes, high stress levels can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections, including gum disease. Stress can also lead to habits like teeth grinding or neglecting oral hygiene, which can make bleeding gums worse.
When should bleeding gums become a concern?
Bleeding gums should become a concern if they happen regularly or without an obvious reason, like brushing too hard. Frequent bleeding can be a sign of gum disease, infection, or other oral health problems. You should see a dentist if your gums bleed when you brush or floss or if the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few days. Early treatment can prevent more serious issues and help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you have inflamed and painful gums? Treat these problems and bleeding gums in Philadelphia, PA. Call Dr. Shulman today at (215) 392-4244. You can also request an appointment online.