Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
Bleeding gums should not be ignored. If your gums bleed regularly while brushing or flossing your teeth, be sure to notify your dentist during your next routine dental health exam. Bleeding gums are not normal, they may be a sign of the presence of oral disease.
Bleeding gums are a common indication of a more complex health condition called gum disease. Gum disease is a progressive bacterial infection of the gum tissue. Bacteria multiply and spread throughout the gums. Bacteria form in deep pockets in the gum line and cause swelling, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums. The bacteria cause the gum tissues to become inflamed and highly sensitive causing them to easily bleed during your daily dental hygiene routine.
Gum disease is a serious medical condition that can cause secondary dental and systemic health issues. Patients with gum disease are more prone to complex dental health concerns such as:
- Bleeding gums
- Halitosis
- Tooth loss
- Shifting or loosening of teeth
- Gum recession
- Bone loss, loss of facial integrity
Patients with advanced gum disease or periodontists are also subject to higher rates of systemic disease. Patients with periodontists are more likely to be at a higher risk of:
- Inflammation
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Stroke
How can I prevent gum disease?
Gum disease begins as gingivitis and progresses into periodontists when left untreated. As gum disease spreads patients become more likely to develop secondary complications. The best way to prevent gum disease is through proactive preventative dentistry. This includes visiting the dentist at least two times a year and maintaining a good at home oral hygiene routine.
Treating gum disease is best in the earliest stages of gingivitis. In most cases, patients with gingivitis can be treated with a thorough and deep cleaning of the teeth and gums. Your dentist may also recommend prescription anti-bacterial rinses and tips and tricks on how to brush and floss more thoroughly. Patients who are prone to gum disease may benefit from visiting the dentist more frequently for teeth cleanings and oral health exams.
Patients with late stage gum disease may require additional restorative procedures to fully restore their oral health. Patients with periodontists often require gum therapy, dental implants to replace missing teeth and may require bone or tissue grafting. Our Ladys Island dentists provide comprehensive periodontal therapy options for the treatment of gum disease and periodontitis. Our full scope of restorative treatment options are tailored to meet your unique dental needs. We work from the foundation up to build healthy, beautiful smiles that last.
Schedule A Consultation
At Lowcountry Family Dentistry we help our patients restore their optimal oral health through patient education and high quality, modern dentistry. We invite new and returning patients to experience the difference of our consultative approach to your oral health. Our Beaufort dentist office is equipped with state of the art dental technology and offers a comfortable, welcoming environment for you to enjoy. To schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Covington call our office at (843) 986-0177 or use our online form.