Bleeding Gums: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Do your gums bleed after brushing or flossing? While occasional bleeding can happen to everyone, it can indicate gum disease if it becomes a regular issue. As one of the most common signs of periodontal disease, bleeding and sore gums are important symptoms to monitor.
Dr. Forgosh and his staff at Green Hills Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Allentown, PA, offer general dentistry services and targeted solutions that detect and treat gum disease at all stages.
Causes of Bleeding Gums and Gum Disease
Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation and active periodontal disease. This is usually in response to a bacterial infection caused by plaque and calculus on teeth and root surfaces. Inflammation causes recession and bone loss, which can lead to mobility, pain, and tooth loss.
Inflammation is a complex biological reaction carried out by chemical mediators released in response to insult or infection. These chemical mediators have been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Active periodontal disease is a true health risk and needs to be treated as such.
Gums can also bleed in situations that don’t involve periodontal disease. A trained dental professional can help determine the cause. In some cases, the patient brushes or flosses too strongly, irritating the gums. It could be due to the patient’s dental care routine or the firmness of their toothbrush. Pregnancy and certain medications also make gums more susceptible to bleeding.
Symptoms and Signs of Gum Disease
The most common symptom of gum disease is the inflammation that results in gum bleeding and soreness. Other symptoms of gum disease include:
- Receding gums, or gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Bad breath
- Teeth that feel loose
- Pus or sores between gums and teeth
- Change in denture fit
Some patients with gum disease don’t experience any of these symptoms, only learning about it after a dental examination.
In advanced stages, gum disease can lead to degeneration of the tissue and bone that support teeth. Fortunately, detecting its symptoms ahead of time can prevent permanent damage.
Treatments for Bleeding Gums at Green Hills Family & Cosmetic Dentistry
When going through proper treatment, a patient can easily manage gum disease in the long term. The type of treatment depends on the stage and nature of the disease. Solutions offered at Green Hills Family & Cosmetic Dentistry include:
- Regular Cleanings and Examinations: Routine hygiene appointments prevent plaque and calculus from building up, reducing the chance of periodontal disease. During these visits, Dr. Forgosh will also examine the patient’s mouth for signs of bone and tissue deterioration.
- Scaling and Root Planing: When plaque and tartar get under the gums, more intensive cleaning is required to eliminate all the bacteria. Scaling and root planing involve removing tartar and plaque from pockets between the teeth and gums.
- Laser Dentistry: Traditional dentistry tools can cause swelling and bleeding in infected gums. Dental lasers disinfect teeth and tissue with less discomfort.
- Periodontal Therapy: During periodontal therapy, the patient receives regular maintenance, treatments, and medications that preserve gum health.
Every patient at our practice undergoes a periodontal evaluation at their first appointment. Then, Dr. Forgosh’s team monitors their gum health at every visit afterward to detect changes as soon as possible.
Schedule a Cleaning or Examination Today
We’re here to help patients who are having issues with their gum health. If you have bleeding gums, we can determine the cause and find a solution. Dr. Forgosh values preventative measures and early intervention that keep tissue and bone loss at a minimum. Patients in later stages of periodontal disease can rest assured that they’ll receive the most effective and comfortable care.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Forgosh to learn more about the treatment options for your sore and bleeding gums.