Do your gums bleed or feel tender when brushing or flossing your teeth? Bleeding and sensitive gums can often be the warning sign of existing gum disease. Let our dentist in Silver Spring, MD, address your gingivitis and signs of periodontal disease as soon as possible. Left untreated, gum disease can damage both the soft tissues of your gums and the integrity of your teeth. Bleeding gums are one of the common dental concerns Dr. David Rever treats at his dental office in Silver Spring, MD.
Healthy gums are the support system for your teeth and also serve as a protective barrier. Keeping harmful bacteria in the mouth from entering the bloodstream is the most important job for your gums. Without this first measure of protection, you are more susceptible to infections and oral cancer.
Poor gum health can increase your risk for various health concerns, from heart disease to systemic diseases such as diabetes. When bacteria penetrate the bloodstream, it can lead to internal inflammation often associated with these larger health concerns. Keeping your gums healthy with routine dental care plays a major role in your quality of life.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen, and/or tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Shifting of teeth or loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Bad breath
- Changes in the fit of dentures or an oral appliance
Treating Gum Disease and Bleeding Gums in Silver Spring, MD
Dr. Rever has over 30 years of experience treating gum disease. He can fix it from the early stages, known as gingivitis, to advanced periodontitis. He will evaluate the condition of your gum health and discuss your personal concerns during all routine dental care visits.
If you have been avoiding the dentist for some time and are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, schedule a judgment-free visit. Dr. Rever welcomes new patients and can offer personalized, compassionate care for restoring your oral health. We will give you treatment options and at-home recommendations on how to deal with this dental issue.
Your treatment will depend on the stage and severity of your gum disease. It can include both in-office and at-home procedures and products. Options may include:
- Antibacterial rinses: We may recommend using an antibacterial rinse at home for early-stage gingivitis or chronic gum disease. We will prescribe you a medical rinse that treats gum disease better than just mouthwash.
- Scaling and root planing: This more intense cleaning procedure will remove tartar and plaque built up along the tooth roots and gum line. It will promote new gum tissue to grow faster.
- Laser dentistry: A soft tissue laser can address damaged or diseased gum tissue with less pain, bleeding, or recovery time. The dental laser will stimulate the natural healing process.
- Oral surgery: For advanced cases of periodontitis, oral surgery for damaged tissue areas may be necessary.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Learn more about bleeding gums in our Silver Spring, MD, dental office:
What should I do if my gums bleed when I brush or floss?
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, don’t ignore it! Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, but you can take steps to help.
- Keep Brushing and Flossing: It might be tempting to stop, but regular brushing and flossing help remove plaque, which is the main cause of bleeding gums.
- Check Your Technique: Brush in small circles, not too hard, and make sure you floss gently between your teeth, not snapping the floss down.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Use an antibacterial mouthwash or warm saltwater rinse to help reduce bacteria and swelling.
- Watch Your Diet: Eat more fruits and veggies, and cut down on sugary snacks that can cause plaque buildup.
- See a Dentist: If your gums keep bleeding for more than a few days, visit our dentist.
Should I floss if I have bleeding gums?
Yes, you should keep flossing even if your gums are bleeding. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which happens when plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline. If you stop flossing, the problem can get worse.
Flossing helps remove food and plaque between your teeth and keeps your gums healthy. If your gums keep bleeding after a few weeks, contact our office.
Do bleeding gums always mean gum disease?
No, bleeding gums don’t always mean you have gum disease, but they can be a sign of a problem.
Here are some common reasons why your gums might bleed:
- Brushing or flossing too hard: If you scrub your teeth too hard or floss roughly, your gums can bleed.
- Pregnancy: Hormone changes can make gums more sensitive and cause bleeding.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Not getting enough vitamin C or K can make your gums weaker.
- Certain medications: Blood thinners and some other medicines can make gums bleed more easily.
What increases the risk of bleeding gums?
Several problems can increase the risk of bleeding gums:
- Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing enough allows plaque to build up, which can make your gums swollen and bleed.
- Brushing too hard: Using too much force or a hard toothbrush can irritate your gums.
- Skipping flossing: If you don’t floss regularly, your gums can become sensitive and bleed when you start again.
- Smoking or tobacco use: Tobacco weakens your gums and makes it harder for them to heal.
- Hormone changes: Pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and likely to bleed.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Not getting enough vitamin C or K can make your gums weaker.
- Certain medications: Blood thinners and some other medicines can cause more gum bleeding.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes and other health issues can make your gums more likely to bleed.
Why do I have bleeding gums when I’m pregnant?
If your gums bleed while you’re pregnant, you’re not alone! Many pregnant women have this problem because of hormone changes.
During pregnancy your body makes more hormones, which can make your gums more sensitive and likely to swell or bleed. Your body sends extra blood to your gums, which can make them puffy and easier to bleed. Pregnancy can make it harder for your body to fight plaque, leading to pregnancy gingivitis (early gum disease).
If your gums bleed, see us for a check-up and cleaning.
Are bleeding gums a dental emergency?
Bleeding gums are usually not a dental emergency, but you should still take them seriously.
You do not have an emergency if:
- Your gums bleed a little when brushing or flossing
- The bleeding stops quickly
- You have no severe pain
- Your gums just look a bit red or puffy
It IS an emergency if:
- Your gums won’t stop bleeding for a long time
- You’re bleeding a lot (more than just a few drops)
- You have severe pain
- Your gums are very swollen
- You have a fever along with bleeding gums
Most of the time, bleeding gums are a warning sign of early gum disease, called gingivitis. This isn’t an emergency, but you should contact us for a cleaning and exam.
Why do my gums bleed after a dental cleaning?
Your gums might bleed after a dental cleaning because the dentist or hygienist is removing built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. If your gums are already inflamed from plaque, they can be more sensitive and may bleed when cleaned.
Another reason for bleeding is if you don’t floss or brush properly at home. When your gums aren’t used to regular cleaning, they can be more likely to bleed during your appointment. The good news is that with regular brushing and flossing, your gums will get healthier
How much does it cost to treat bleeding gums?
The cost of bleeding gums treatment depends on the type of treatment. The least expensive treatment for bleeding gums is a dental cleaning. Deep gum cleanings, like scaling and root planing, may cost more. Oral surgery is most expensive treatment for bleeding gums caused by gum disease.
Schedule A Dental Exam and Gum Disease Evaluation
If you have concerns about the health of your gums or have noticed bleeding gums, contact our Silver Spring, MD dentist office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rever. We welcome new patients from Silver Spring, Montgomery County, and many other local communities, including Columbia, Burtonsville, Laurel, and Laytonsville.