Do you notice that your gums bleed sometimes? If so, please understand that this is not normal. Bleeding gums can be a sign of a more serious problem. Oftentimes, it is a symptom of early gum disease. Dr. Paul W. Karpovich is a talented dentist in Timonium, MD, who treats patients with bleeding gums.
Dr. Karpovich works with patients to understand changes in their gum health. He can help reduce gum pain, discomfort, and other uncomfortable symptoms besides bleeding gums.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums can occur for several reasons. However, the most common and likely cause is a lack of proper hygiene. If you fail to brush or floss often enough or skip your regular dentist appointments, your gums will suffer.
The plaque that is left on your teeth will irritate your gums and cause them to separate from your teeth. This irritation will cause them to become inflamed and bleed. This is typically a sign of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
There are other reasons gums bleed. Pregnant women often have to deal with bleeding gums due to changes in their hormones. Aggressive brushing or flossing, taking certain medications, and wearing ill-fitting dentures can all cause bleeding gums as well. However, these are not reasons to discontinue at-home oral care.
We recommend flossing before brushing, brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and brushing twice daily. Skipping these steps will only create bigger dental problems. Many patients who do not floss regularly can experience bleeding gums.
Bleeding Gums Treatment in Timonium, MD
There are multiple treatment options we provide in our office if you experience bleeding gums:
Preventive Dental Care
If you suffer from bleeding gums, the best way to treat it is with early intervention. In most cases, a thorough dental cleaning is all you need. Dr. Karpovich will also recommend that you do a better job of caring for your teeth and gums at home. He can provide custom oral hygiene tips that you can fit into your routine.
Antibacterial Rinses
Dr. Karpovich may also recommend using a special anti-bacterial mouth rinse at home. This will help eliminate harmful oral bacteria and control your gum disease.
Scaling & Root Planning
Essentially, this is a deep, intensive dental cleaning. The goal is to remove bacteria from the gum line and under the gums. Dr. Karpovich will use special tools to scrape away the tartar that has built up. Then, he will smooth out the tooth roots so the gums can reattach to the teeth. This will prevent the disease from progressing and avoid gum recession and tooth loss.
How can I prevent bleeding gums?
The best thing you can do to prevent bleeding gums is to take good care of your oral health and overall health. This includes visiting the dentist twice yearly for a dental cleaning and exam. Additionally, you should brush and floss several times daily to remove plaque from your teeth. Furthermore, a healthy lifestyle will help ward off gingivitis.
You should eat a healthy diet and avoid tobacco at all costs. If you do not properly care for your smile and your diet is high in sugars and carbohydrates, you can be at risk of developing gum problems.
Tobacco will damage your gums and make you more likely to develop gum disease. Smoking cigarettes, vaping, and using other types of tobacco products can contribute to dry mouth. Harmful bacteria thrive in patients with dry mouth.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Read answers to common questions about bleeding gums in Timonium, MD:
Are bleeding gums a dental emergency?
Bleeding gums are only a dental emergency if you have sustained a physical injury. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you must visit a dentist, but you will not need emergency care. You can receive emergency care if you have bleeding gums due to an injury.
Do I have gum disease if I have bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums may be a symptom of gum disease. However, not all patients with bleeding gums have gum disease. You may experience bleeding gums if you have gingivitis, also known as gum inflammation. You can easily reverse symptoms like bleeding gums with good oral hygiene and routine dental care.
How do you stop bleeding gums?
If you have injured your gums and they are bleeding, find a clean cloth or gauze to apply pressure to the injured area. You may also apply a cold compress. However, if you have bleeding gums due to gingivitis, it’s important to floss and brush your teeth. If your gums do not stop bleeding when you brush and floss, you need to contact the dentist. Visiting the dentist regularly can prevent bleeding gums from happening again.
Should I brush my gums if they are bleeding?
Continue to brush and floss, even when experiencing bleeding gums. Gently flossing and then brushing your teeth and gums twice daily will reduce bleeding and reverse gingivitis. Removing plaque from your gums will help reduce inflammation and bleeding.
Is saltwater good for bleeding gums?
A saltwater rinse can help calm irritated or inflamed gum tissue accompanying bleeding gums. However, saltwater rinses will not cure gum inflammation or gum disease. Floss and brush your teeth and receive a thorough dental cleaning to help stop bleeding gums. Contact a dentist if you have other symptoms of gum disease, like gum recession, besides bleeding gums.
Does smoking lead to bleeding gums?
If you smoke cigarettes or vape, you may be more at risk of developing gingivitis. This is because the nicotine in tobacco can restrict the blood vessels, slowing your body’s immune response. Tobacco products also lead to dry mouth. Harmful bacteria multiply in patients with dry mouth. As a result, you are more prone to symptoms of gum disease, like bleeding gums.
Why do I have bleeding gums when I’m pregnant?
During pregnancy, your hormone levels rise, especially progesterone. This can make your gums more sensitive and more likely to bleed, especially when you brush or floss your teeth. This condition is called “pregnancy gingivitis.” Pregnancy also increases blood flow to your gums, making them swell and become more prone to bleeding.
Will flossing reverse bleeding gums?
Flossing removes plaque and food particles between your teeth, where your toothbrush can’t reach. By flossing daily, you can help stop plaque from building up and make it easier for your gums to heal over time.
If your gums are bleeding because of gingivitis, regular flossing and brushing can reduce inflammation and stop the bleeding within a few days to weeks. However, if your gums keep bleeding or if the problem gets worse, it’s a good idea to see your dentist
Treat Your Gum Health Today
Dr. Karpovich is a talented dentist who offers thorough treatment for bleeding gums in Timonium, MD. If you have bleeding gums and are looking for a dentist to treat them, contact the dentist office of Dr. Paul Karpovich. Call (410) 221-3085 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.