Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss my teeth?
Bleeding gums are typically a sign of gum disease. It is one of the dental concerns that Fuller Dental treats in Burlington, NC. If your gums bleed on a daily basis, be sure to schedule a visit with your Burlington, NC dentist as soon as you can. Gum pain, sore gums, and gums that bleed are often present in patients who have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.
By the time patients show signs of bleeding gums, the disease-causing bacteria have already begun to spread causing damage to your oral health. Fuller Dental provides periodontal therapy for the treatment of the varying stages of gum disease.
What causes gum disease?
The spread of harmful bacteria in your mouth causes gum disease. This bacteria leads to the build-up of tartar and plaque on your teeth and gums. Disease-causing bacteria multiply and spread then enter the bloodstream. Gum disease has been linked to a wide range of health conditions and systemic diseases.
As a progressive disease, your dentist will address periodontal disease as early as possible. This will avoid the development of more complex health concerns. Visiting the dentist twice a year can help your dentist spot gingivitis early for conservative treatment.
Gum disease is a common dental health concern that often goes undiagnosed until the later stages of the disease. By the time the gums begin to bleed, the bacteria has likely begun to form pockets in the gum line. Inflammation and gum recession are also common during this phase. As the bacteria spreads, gums can pull away from the teeth causing tooth decay, tooth loss, and bone loss.
Other Reasons Gum Bleed
Bleeding gums commonly flare up due to hormone changes. Pregnant patients should visit the dentist during their pregnancy to monitor the health of their gums. Pregnancy gingivitis is common. You can avoid it by being proactive with your oral hygiene. Pregnant women should continue to brush and floss, but be extra cautious around sensitive gum tissue to prevent bleeding.
It is important to maintain routine visits to our Burlington, NC dentist office during pregnancy to monitor gum health. We suggest using a soft bristle toothbrush and keeping a routine of flossing to avoid bleeding gums.
There are several other causes of bleeding gums. This includes aggressive flossing and brushing, dentures that do not fit correctly, and certain medications.
Treating Gum Disease
If you notice that your gums are bleeding, swollen, or tender to the touch, reach out to your dentist. Fuller Dental offers custom dental care for your dental health concerns including treatment plans for gum disease. We may recommend an extra dental cleaning, anti-bacterial rinses, or scaling and root planing to help treat your periodontal disease.
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Our dental care team helps to restore your smile by addressing dental concerns from common to complex. From whitening discolored teeth to repairing damaged or missing teeth, our dental care team can help you enjoy a more beautiful, healthy smile.
If you are looking for a compassionate, highly trained, and experienced dental health care team in the Burlington, NC region, contact Fuller Dental or request an appointment online today.