One of the more common dental concerns we treat in our dental office is bleeding gums. Nearly everyone experiences bleeding gums at some point in their life. However, patients who have chronic bleeding gums may actually be showing signs of gum disease.
Dr. Zare offers a wide range of treatment options for patients with gingivitis and gum disease. Our goal is to restore health quickly and comfortably and help patients maintain that standard over a lifetime.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
It is a misconception that bleeding gums are a sign of good brushing – your teeth should not bleed when you brush or floss. Bleeding gums are often caused by a buildup of plaque along the gum line. Plaque can push down into the pockets of the gum and harden into tartar (calculus). When you brush or floss your teeth, it irritates the sensitive gum tissue and can cause bleeding or soreness.
It is common for women to experience bleeding gums during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes taking place in the body. Pregnant women should continue to brush and floss, despite pregnancy gingivitis. It is important to maintain routine visits to the dentist during pregnancy to monitor gum health.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums
Treatment for bleeding gums should always be coordinated by a dentist. Do not attempt to self-medicate or use over-the-counter treatment without consulting your dentist. We can easily identify the cause of bleeding gums and help you create a personalized treatment plan. We offer a full range of periodontal therapy services to address various stages of gum disease.
The first line of treatment for patients with bleeding gums is usually an intensive dental cleaning to scrape the tartar from the teeth and below the gum line. Our dentists may also recommend special rinses or more frequent visits to establish a healthy baseline.
In more severe cases, our dentists and hygienists may perform scaling and root planning, tissue curettage, and/or antibiotics. Treatment may include referral to a periodontist (gum tissue specialist).