Bleeding gums are an indication of periodontal disease. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Bleeding gums can be the first visible side effect of a serious oral condition, gum disease. Bleeding gums are not normal, and you should never ignore them. If your gums bleed when you are brushing or flossing your teeth correctly, be sure to notify your dentist.
Gum disease is progressive and worsens without treatment. Advanced gum disease compromises the appearance, function, gum health, and all aspects of your oral health. When caught early, your dentist can manage it to prevent further damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw bone.
Gum disease has links to an increased risk of systemic disease and is a leading cause of bone and tooth loss in adult patients. You can prevent it by maintaining good oral hygiene and visiting the dentist on a routine basis. This will also help promote overall wellness and health.
How does gum disease cause my gums to bleed?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the soft oral tissue. Bacteria feed on plaque build-up found on and between teeth. As the bacteria multiply and spread they begin to form deep periodontal pockets in the gum line. The bacteria causes inflamed gum tissue.
Inflamed gums are tender and sore, and easily damaged when a patient brushes or flosses. As gums become more irritated by the bacterial infection they may also begin to recede. A receding gum line can leave the tooth root exposed and makes teeth sensitive to changes in temperature. Receding gums are also prone to bleeding.
How can I treat bleeding gums?
Gum disease is a silent disease. Often there are few or no warning signs of until there is already damage to your gums. This is why routine oral health exams are essential for preventing gum disease.
Bella Smiles provides a visual screening for periodontal disease at every routine dental check-up. Should you show any sign of gingivitis, our dental care team will recommend steps you can take to reverse the effects of gum disease.
Some common side effects or warning signs that it may be developing include:
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gum line
- Halitosis
- Changes in the fit of a denture
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Swollen or red gums
To prevent the gums from bleeding, patients must address the underlying cause of the inflamed tissue. If gums bleed regularly, patients should schedule a visit with us in our Riverhead, Roslyn, or Nesconset dental office. Bella Smiles offers comprehensive treatment for gum disease. We make personalized recommendations on how to improve your at-home dental hygiene routine to prevent further flare-ups.
If you’re currently experiencing symptoms of advanced gum disease, contact us. Our Long Island dental offices provide a range of periodontal and restorative treatments to restore health to your gums. We help patients clear out disease-causing bacteria and address any additional dental concerns.
Bella Smiles provides full-service dental implants, periodontal therapy, and cosmetic treatments for the complete restoration of your teeth and gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to learn more? We’re here to help. Read answers to common questions about bleeding gums in Roslyn and Nesconset, NY.
Can brushing too hard cause my gums to bleed?
Yes, brushing too hard can cause your gums to bleed. If you use a toothbrush with stiff bristles or scrub your teeth too aggressively, you can irritate and damage the soft gum tissue. This type of bleeding is different from bleeding caused by gum disease and often improves if you switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions.
But if your gums keep bleeding even after making these changes, it may be a sign of gum disease. We recommend that you see our dentist for an exam.
What happens if you leave gum disease untreated?
Gum disease puts a patient at risk for a variety of health issues without treatment. Over time, the infection spreads deeper into the gums and bone that support your teeth. This can lead to gum recession, painful inflammation, and eventually loose or shifting teeth. Your teeth may even fall out without treatment.
The damage doesn’t stop with your mouth. Studies show that gum disease is linked to other health concerns throughout the body. The bacteria and inflammation in your gums can increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. People with untreated gum disease may also have a harder time controlling conditions like diabetes.
That’s why you want to let our dentist remove plaque and address gum inflammation. After treatment, your mouth will heal and regrow healthy gum tissue.
Can gum disease disappear over time?
Over time gum disease may get worse. Gum disease is a progressive disease that does not go away on its own. Once you are in the first stage of gum disease, you will require treatment to reverse it. Our dentists will prevent your bleeding and receding gums from further damaging your mouth.
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease has four primary stages. The first is gingivitis. Symptoms may include red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Your dentist can reverse gingivitis if they catch it and treat it early enough.
The second stage is early periodontitis, or slight periodontal disease. Once in the second stage, the disease is irreversible. In this stage, the inflammation spreads below the gum line. This leads to the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums.
The third stage is moderate periodontal disease. The pockets between the teeth and gums deepen. Bacteria accumulate and cause further damage to the gums and surrounding bone.
The last and most severe stage of gum disease is advanced periodontitis. The disease destroys the supporting bone and fibers that hold the teeth in place. Teeth may become loose or even fall out without treatment.
Request a Dental Exam and Consultation Today
Don’t ignore the buildup of plaque, and take steps to stop bleeding gums. Contact your Bella Smiles dental office today to schedule an oral health exam to prevent the spread of oral disease. Our office welcomes new patients to our warm and friendly dentist office. We serve patients from Roslyn, Hampton Bays, Nesconset, and many North Shore communities.