Bleeding Gums
Scottsdale, AZ
Request An Appointment
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease isn’t uncommon, and many times, patients don’t know what to look for early on. If any of the following symptoms persist for more than a week, it’s wise to have a dentist examine your gums.
- Bleeding gums
- Gum swelling
- Red or irritated gums
- Gum recession
Many individuals with bleeding gums attempt to fix the issue with at-home remedies. However, trying to manage sensitive, bleeding gums alone can lead to additional problems because the underlying cause of the bleeding may not be treatable in a home setting.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease can be caused or exacerbated by a number of things, but the most common include the following conditions or behaviors:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Plaque and tartar buildup
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease can be approached with three different goals in mind: prevention, management, and treatment. To prevent gum disease or manage current symptoms, the following oral health protocols may be helpful to ensure that you’re keeping your mouth as clean as possible.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and if your gums are sensitive, try using a soft toothbrush to avoid unnecessary irritation.
- Floss your teeth at the end of the day when you’ve finished eating for the evening.
- Use mouthwash to kill bacteria in your mouth. For the best possible results, use a mouthwash that has the word “antiseptic” printed on the label.
- Visit a dentist for routine check-ups and professional cleanings every six months (twice yearly).
- Stop smoking. Not only is smoking terrible for your lungs and body tissues, it contributes to oral cancers and gum disease.
- Have a deep cleaning or root planing and scaling procedure done if you have moderate to severe symptoms of gum disease. Your dentist will be able to advise as to whether this procedure is right for you.
Gum Disease FAQ
There are a couple of reasons why your gums might bleed when you brush. For one, your toothbrush’s bristles might be too hard for your sensitive gums. You may also be applying too much pressure when you brush. Finally, your gums might be bleeding due to a more serious oral health condition.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
It’s relatively normal for gums to bleed when an individual flosses for the first time in a long while. As your gums strengthen, they should bleed less and less after you add flossing to your daily routine. However, if the bleeding continues, you might want to schedule a dental appointment. Call Scottsdale Family Smiles at (480) 607-6937 if your gums continue to bleed after a week of flossing daily.
Why are my gums swollen?
There are two main causes of swollen gums. One is irritation and the other is gum disease. If you notice that your gums appear red and swollen for no discernible reason, schedule an appointment to see a dentist. This way, you can seek treatment and manage the issue before it progresses.
Why are my gums sensitive after I eat or brush my teeth?
If the sensitivity is new and temporary, you may have eaten something acidic or abrasive, which has irritated your gums. However, if this issue occurs frequently, you should most definitely schedule an appointment to have your gum health evaluated.
What Our Patients Are Saying