Why do my gums always bleed when I floss or brush? Is this a serious dental concern, or can it be ignored?
Did you know that if your gums bleed on a recurring basis it may be an indication that you have gum disease? Gum disease is a common, and serious, dental health concern that is best treated when caught early. Bleeding gums are one of the first visual indicators that a bacterial infection is worsening.
If your gums bleed regularly when you brush or floss your teeth, contact Westside Dental Center to schedule a dental health exam. We can determine the source of your bleeding gums and treat it promptly and effectively.
What makes my gums bleed?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums. As bacteria multiply, they spread, causing pockets to form deep in the gum line. The gums become inflamed and swell. Eventually, the gum line will begin to peel away from the teeth.
Gums become highly sensitive and the gum line may begin to recede. When a patient with gum disease brushes or flosses their teeth it irritates the already inflamed gum line causing them to bleed. It is not normal for gums to bleed.
Prevent Bleeding Gums & Treatment Choices
The best way to treat gum disease is to prevent it. Gum disease is commonly caused by poor oral hygiene or a lapse in routine dental health exams.
Preventative health care is the most effective way to keep the gums and teeth clean and healthy. While twice-daily brushing and flossing are essential to keep your smile clean in between dentist office visits, biannual professional dental cleanings and oral exams are essential for healthy gums.
Dr. Dham and our entire dental care team are committed to providing patients with thorough, personalized preventative dental care. Our goal is to help all of our patients maintain their most natural, healthy and beautiful smile. We focus on routine dental cleanings, exams, and patient education to aid patients in building a stable and lasting oral foundation.
Our Plantation, FL dentist office is equipped with soft laser dentistry and digital technology for the most effective periodontal therapy treatments. Dr. Dham is a highly trained laser dentist.
Laser dentistry is a noninvasive procedure used for the treatment of gum disease. Laser dentistry reduces swelling, bleeding and minimizes patient downtime after treatment. For many patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease, laser therapy eliminates the need for invasive gum surgery.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
How long does it take to recover from gum disease?
On average, it takes between 10 and 14 days for gingivitis to clear up after treatment and with proper oral care. The further the disease progresses, the more difficult it may become to treat.
What are the 4 stages of gum disease?
The main stages of gum disease are gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. As you progress through the stages it becomes more and more difficult to treat. In the last two stages gum disease is irreversible, and treatment can only prevent it from progressing further.
How long does it take gum disease to get worse?
Within five days of the first signs of gingivitis, your gums may become inflamed. The symptoms of generalized gingivitis begin to emerge within two to three weeks. If you don’t take care of this early, it may turn into mild periodontal disease within a month or two.
When does gum disease become irreversible?
The second and third stages of gum disease are irreversible, so it’s important to take preventative measures before the disease develops. Call our office today to schedule an evaluation or consultation!
Can gum disease spread?
It is not likely, but it can happen. You or your partner can spread gum disease through kissing if both have gingivitis or poor oral hygiene. Parents are the most common source of the gingivitis infection in children. When you give a baby a kiss on the lips, you’re spreading a lot more than you may think. Gingivitis and oral disease can spread easily through the transfer of saliva.
How does gum disease affect your heart?
When the bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontitis enter the bloodstream, they can cause inflammation and damage to blood vessels throughout the body. This may lead to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.
Request a Periodontal Health Exam Today
Visit your local Plantation, FL dentist near you at Westside Dental Center if you have bleeding gums, swollen and irritated gums, or any other negative changes in your oral health.
Westside Dental Center offers modern, comprehensive, and personalized dental care services for the treatment of gingivitis and gum disease. We are accepting new patients from communities near you in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Sunrise, and Davie.
Contact our Plantation, FL dental office at (954) 251-0640 or request an appointment online to schedule your next dental exam and periodontal consultation.