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 that treats patients with bleeding gums.
Cheerful early 30’s woman sitting in a dentist chair and smiling to the camera
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums can occur for several reasons. However, the most common and likely cause is 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, certain medications, and ill-fitting dentures can all make gum bleeds as well. However, these are not reasons to discontinue at home oral care. We recommend using a soft bristle tooth brush, to not brush too hard, and brush twice a day. Skipping these steps will only create bigger dental problems.
Bleeding Gum Treatment in Timonium, MD
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 with caring for your teeth and gums at home.
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 your overall health. This includes visiting the dentist twice a year for a dental cleaning and exam. Additionally, you should be brushing and flossing several times a day 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. Tobacco will damage your gums and make you more likely to develop gum disease.
Dr. Karpovich is a talented dentist that offers thorough treatment for bleeding gums. If you have bleeding gums and are looking for a dentist to treat it, contact the dentist office of Dr. Paul Karpovich. Call (410) 221-3085 to schedule an appointment or request an appointment online.