What Do Bleeding Gums Mean?
Typically, your gums should look pretty unassuming. After all, the main criteria for healthy gum tissue is that it’s pink in color and firm. Anything out of the ordinary like inflamed, swollen, or bleeding gums should be discussed with our Ann Arbor dentists.
Here are the most common reasons and how you can restore your oral health.
Gums That Are Bleeding May Be Due To:
1. Some Form of Gum Disease
It’s common to experience bleeding gums when the earliest stage of gum disease, , has begun to set in. That’s because of the harmful plaque that’s built up above and below the gum line. When plaque isn’t cleared away, bacteria grows and attacks the gum tissue, increasing its sensitivity.
Learn More → Sensitive Teeth: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment
Fortunately, gingivitis is reversible with regular at-home toothbrushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleanings every 6 months inside our Ann Arbor dental office. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is long-term, irreversible, and what gingivitis can turn into if left untreated.
In addition to cleanings, our dentists can alleviate your bleeding gums and advanced periodontal disease with procedures like scaling and root planing. Scaling is what removes the plaque and tartar from below the gumline while root planing helps smooth out the tooth root which facilitates the reattachment of the gums to the tooth.
Gum disease treatments of this nature are designed to deep clean and manage the chronic condition so your oral health remains in a good spot overall.
2. Fast or Rough Tooth Brushing
When brushing your teeth, try not to brush too hard or fast. Setting out to clean teeth in record time will not accomplish what you think it will. Instead, you’ll put yourself at risk for gum recession and bleeding.
Helpful tip: Slow down, take your time, and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Don’t forget to also brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss them daily. It’s not critical that you brush after every meal or snack. What is beneficial is cleaning your teeth when you get up in the morning and before you go to bed. That way you’re clearing off plaque that’s accumulated as you sleep as well as throughout the day.
3. Dentures That Don’t Fit Well
Conventional dentures have a tendency to slip or shift occasionally which while annoying, isn’t abnormal. However, when your dentures don’t fit well at all, you may notice some unwanted and bleeding.
Oftentimes, bleeding gums occur when dentures are fitted too tightly. If you’re tired of dealing with standard dentures and their fit problems, ask our dentists about the possibility of dental implants or even implant-supported dentures. Implants are posts made of titanium that act as artificial tooth roots to look and function like real teeth.
4. Changes in Hormones or Other Aspects of Your Health
For some women, pregnancy can mean that gums become swollen and bleed. This is due to changes in hormones that affect how the body responds to the bacteria that causes gum disease. Try taking extra care of your teeth during this time with a fluoride toothpaste and floss.
Other health conditions like blood clotting disorders or leukemia can also translate into bleeding gums. The best thing you can do if you have one of these conditions is to maintain a strict oral hygiene routine, receive professional cleanings, and converse with your general doctor.
Take It Easy on Your Gums
Be sure to pay attention when there’s something off with your gums. Our , can help you by taking a closer look and pinning down a cause before determining treatment. Call Liberty Dental today at (734) 994-0909 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.