You’re following through on your brushing routine – 2 minutes of brushing before bed. But when you spit out your toothpaste, you see blood. Your gums are bleeding again, and they’ve been doing so for days. What does it mean? And what can you do about it? Your San Diego dentist and the team at Libby Dental is here to answer your questions!
Bleeding Gums Are Not Normal!
While bleeding gums are a common dental issue, it is not normal for your gums to bleed. Although some causes of gum bleeding are harmless, bleeding gums can be a symptom of dangerous periodontal disease.
Let’s discuss the most common causes of bleeding gums.
1. Plaque Buildup (Gingivitis) – Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. It occurs when plaque builds between the teeth and gums, causing inflammation, hypersensitivity and bleeding. If left untreated gingivitis will become more severe. And according to the CDC, half of American adults have periodontal disease.
If your gums are receding, puffy, dark or inflamed, or if bleeding occurs even during light brushing, you could have gingivitis. You may also be at risk for a more dangerous periodontal disease. We recommend you consult Dr. Landon Libby for a diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan.
2. Beginning A Flossing Regimen – If you have recently begun flossing regularly, a small amount of blood is normal. Your gums are not used to the contact of the floss, and may bleed. To avoid this, be gentle while flossing, and avoid “snapping” the floss against your gums when sliding it between teeth.
3. Brushing Technique – If you have purchased a new toothbrush with stiff bristles, it could be causing your gums to bleed. Stiff brushes tend to irritate gums, and can contribute to the erosion of tooth enamel. Because of this, we recommend using a soft, nylon-bristled toothbrush.
You should also use a gentle, circular motion to brush your gums, rather than a vigorous “back-and-forth” motion. This will help prevent bleeding and inflammation.
4. Food Trapped In Gums or Between Teeth – If bits of food get stuck between your teeth and gumline, they can cause infection and inflammation of your gums. In turn, this inflammation makes your gums more likely to bleed. To avoid this, floss regularly and ensure that there are no small particles of food trapped in between your teeth.
As you can see, there are many reasons that your gums may be bleeding. However, if you are experiencing long-term gum bleeding, you may have a serious issue like gingivitis, or even more advanced periodontal disease. You’ll need to consult a professional like Dr. Libby to discuss treatment strategies.
How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?
If you learn that you have periodontal disease, don’t worry. Dr. Libby is here to help. Common periodontal disease treatment options include a deep cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque buildup and tartar. This, alongside a thorough oral care regimen, is often enough to deal with minor cases of gingivitis.
However, it’s important to catch gingivitis early, before it becomes a more advanced form of periodontal disease. Advanced cases of periodontal disease will often require surgical intervention, gum grafts, and other treatments.
Got Bleeding Gums In San Diego? Dr. Landon Libby Is Here To Help!
If you have bleeding gums and are worried you may have a periodontal disease like gingivitis, come to Libby Dental! Dr. Libby provides expert San Diego periodontal care, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Our team uses advanced procedures to restore your teeth and gums to health.
So if you have bleeding gums, don’t wait to seek treatment. Call Libby Dental at (619) 276-6884 and schedule an appointment today!
