Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth? You may be developing gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontitis, affects about 3 million Americans each year. Although gum disease is a common dental concern, it can lead to tooth loss and gum recession in its later stages.
Dr. Patrick L. Ousborne and Dr. Rikki Esterson treat bleeding gums, as well as more serious signs of gum disease, in their Towson, Maryland dental office. Learn how to look out for the signs of periodontitis and discover treatment options below.
Causes of Bleeding Gums
Some patients may notice their gums bleeding if they brush too hard. Other common causes include hormonal changes, certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, and infections. But the top cause of bleeding gums is gum disease. Some common signs of gum disease you can experience in addition to bleeding gums include:
- Gum swelling
- Halitosis (Bad breath)
- Gum recession
- Shifting teeth
- Loose teeth
When infection enters the bloodstream, it can even lead to cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attacks, and diabetes. Please contact our dental office if you have noticed any of these symptoms. We will work with you to find an effective treatment option for you and your specific dental concerns.
What Makes Bleeding Gums Worse?
Several factors can make bleeding gums worse if they are not properly managed. One of the most common causes is poor oral hygiene. When plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, it can lead to inflammation, making your gums more likely to bleed.
Brushing or flossing too hard can also damage sensitive gum tissue and increase bleeding. Certain health conditions, like diabetes, hormonal changes, or vitamin deficiencies, can make gums more prone to irritation. Smoking or using tobacco products can reduce blood flow to the gums and slow down healing, making gum problems worse.
Other habits, such as grinding your teeth, chewing hard foods, or skipping regular dental checkups, can contribute to worsening gum health. Medications that thin your blood or affect your immune system may also make your gums more likely to bleed.
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I’m Pregnant?
Bleeding gums are common during pregnancy, and they usually happen because of hormonal changes. Increased levels of estrogen and progesterone can make your gums more sensitive and more likely to swell, bleed, or feel tender. This condition is often called “pregnancy gingivitis” and usually appears during the second trimester.
Pregnancy can also change the way your body reacts to plaque and bacteria on your teeth, making it easier for gum inflammation to develop. Even if you normally have healthy gums, these changes can cause redness, swelling, or bleeding when you brush or floss.
We still recommend that pregnant patients visit us during their pregnancy. You can safely get a cleaning and exam up to your second trimester.
Treating Gum Disease
We’re your local periodontist in Towson, MD to treat bleeding gums. We offer deep cleanings to reverse bleeding gums and keep bacteria in check.
To remove bacteria and tartar from your teeth and gums, we use a special tool called the Cavitron, an ultrasonic scaler. This device gently cleans deep below the gum line, removing plaque and buildup that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. Scaling helps reduce inflammation, stop bleeding, and prevent gum disease from getting worse.
Advanced gum disease can weaken your teeth and even lead to tooth loss. In some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted to protect your oral health. Our team provides restorative dentistry options to replace missing teeth and repair teeth damaged by gum infections. Based on your needs, you may need dental implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures.
How to Prevent Bleeding Gums
Preventing bleeding gums is easier when you follow a few simple steps every day. Here’s what you can do to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush Daily: You should brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria that can irritate your gums. Brushing gently prevents damage to sensitive gum tissue while keeping your teeth clean. Make sure to brush along the gum line and all surfaces of your teeth.
- Floss Before You Brush: Floss daily to clean between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing removes trapped food particles and plaque that can build up and cause gum disease. It also helps prevent bad breath and keeps your smile fresh.
- See Us Twice a Year: Visit our dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings in Towson, MD. During these visits, we can remove tartar buildup that you can’t remove at home. Our dentist can also catch early signs of gum disease and provide treatment before it becomes serious. Regular checkups keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- Eat Right: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support strong teeth and healthy gums. Foods high in vitamin C and calcium are important for gum and bone health. Avoiding excessive sugar helps prevent plaque buildup that can lead to gum irritation. A nutritious diet strengthens your mouth and supports overall oral health.
- Don’t Smoke: Avoid tobacco products, which can harm your gums and slow healing. Vaping, smoking, or using chewing tobacco increases your risk of gum disease and oral infections. Quitting or avoiding tobacco can improve gum health and help your treatments work better.
- Stay Healthy: Manage health conditions like diabetes, which can affect gum health. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can make gums more sensitive and prone to infection. Keeping your heart healthy can reduce inflammation and support healing.
By following these steps, you can reduce your risk of bleeding gums and protect your smile for years to come. If you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, or discomfort, contact our Towson office right away. Our team can help you find the right treatment.
Call Our Towson Office For Care
Treat signs of gum disease as soon as possible in our Towson, Maryland dental office. Call the Advanced Prosthodontics and Dentistry of Towson for comprehensive treatment today at (410) 828-1177. You can also request a consultation with Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson on our website.