You may think bleeding gums are a sign that you are not brushing correctly. However, bleeding gums are not normal, and you should take notice whenever your gums bleed during brushing. Bleeding gums are one of the dental concerns that Dr. Scott Finlay diagnoses and treats. If you have bleeding gums, contact our dental office in Annapolis, MD, for care.
Gum disease is the most common reason why you may have bleeding gums. This disease begins when harmful bacteria irritate and inflame the gum tissue. As a result, your gums are more likely to bleed, especially when you brush and floss.
Why Do I Have Gum Disease?
You may have gum disease for one or more reasons. Common causes of gum disease include:
- Poor Oral Hygiene: If you do not brush or floss enough, plaque builds on the teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate our gums and cause them to become inflamed. Over time, this inflammation can lead to gum disease.
- Tobacco Use: If you smoke or use tobacco, it can contribute to bacterial buildup in the mouth. It can also reduce blood flow to the gums, making it difficult for them to heal properly. The chemicals in tobacco can weaken the body’s immune system. This makes it harder for the gums to fight off bacteria.
- Medical Conditions and Medications: Some medications, like certain antihistamines and decongestants, can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of gum disease. Medical conditions like diabetes and autoimmune diseases can weaken the immune system.
- Hormone Changes: Hormonal changes during menopause or pregnancy can increase the risk of gum inflammation in women. These changes can also worsen existing inflammation. Changes in the hormone progesterone can lead to gum sensitivity and bleeding gums. We recommend that pregnant women visit our office for a routine cleaning if they notice gum problems.
Annapolis area dentist Dr. Scott Finlay offers a range of treatment options for patients in any stage of gum disease. Prevention of gum disease is our goal. However, it’s not always possible. Treatment for gum disease may include:
- Prescription mouth rinses
- Deep cleaning procedures
- Periodontal surgery
We will work with you to create the right treatment for your specific symptoms and stage of gum disease. While bleeding gums may indicate gingivitis, it can also accompany later stages of gum disease.
Bleeding Gums and Gum Disease
A common cause of bleeding gums is gum disease. Gum disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. While plaque is the leading cause of gum disease, other contributing factors include family history, hormonal changes, and illness.
Avoid Bleeding Gums When You Brush or Floss
When you brush, use a gentle, circular motion to massage and clean the teeth and gums. A back-and-forth motion irritates and damages your gums, making them sore and more likely to bleed or recede. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients.
Take your time when you brush. If you brush your teeth and gums too hard, you can wear down your teeth and gums.
Be gentle when you floss to avoid bleeding gums. Do not force the floss between your teeth. Instead, carefully slide it up and down. Follow the curve of each tooth.
Bleeding Gums and Pregnancy
Bleeding gums during pregnancy is common because of hormonal changes taking place in the body. This can increase the susceptibility for the gums to be sore and inflamed. In turn, it makes it difficult to maintain adequate hygiene.
Staying ahead of gum problems is an essential component of prenatal care. Pregnant women should continue to brush and floss and continue their professional dental checkups to diagnose and manage issues before they develop. If you are pregnant, you can safely visit the dentist for a cleaning during your second trimester.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums in Annapolis, MD
Treatment for bleeding gums should always be handled by a dentist. Never attempt to self-treat bleeding gums or use over-the-counter medications without the advisement of a dental professional. Depending on your condition, there are a number of treatment options for bleeding gums.
- Routine Dental Cleaning: The best way to treat bleeding gums and prevent gum disease is with regular visits to the dentist. We offer professional teeth cleaning and examination. Our dental cleanings are performed by a dental hygienist who will gently and skillfully remove plaque and tartar from between the teeth and around the gum line.
- Antibacterial Mouth Rinse: These mouth rinses are effective to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and control infection. This is an appropriate treatment for patients suffering from the early stages of gum disease. We often provide antibacterial treatment after a deep cleaning. We may also recommend that you use a mouth rinse at home as part of your oral hygiene routine.
- Scaling and Root Planing: These deep cleaning procedures remove plaque and tartar from deep pockets in the gum and smooth the surface of tooth roots. When we scale the gums, we remove bacteria from the gums and beneath the gum line. Then, during root planing, we remove bacteria from the tooth roots. This cleaning benefits patients with recurring gum infections. We often recommend these cleanings multiple times a year if you have gum disease.
- Periodontal Therapy: Gum therapy may include scaling and root planing as well as other procedures to remove infected tissue and bring the gums back to health. Dr. Finlay also uses laser dentistry to treat gingivitis and gum disease. The laser uses light and heat to contour and remove infected gum tissue. Dental lasers are more comfortable, quicker, and quieter than traditional surgical options. They also sterilize the treated area to lessen the risk of reinfection.
Healthy Gums, Healthy Mouth
If you have bleeding gums, contact Scott Finlay, DDS, and Associates, PA, for a consultation and periodontal screening. Call our Annapolis, MD, dentist office to treat bleeding gums at 410.989.7132. You can also schedule an appointment online.
Please let us know if you have questions about your symptoms or treatment options. We’re here to help.