Many patients visit our office after noticing a small amount of blood in the sink following brushing or flossing their teeth. Bleeding gums, also known as gingivitis, is the first sign of gum disease progression. Gum disease is a dental concern that is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar near your gum line.
Your healthy soft tissues become inflamed due to the bacteria in the buildup. Left untreated, the bacteria will begin to eat away at your healthy soft tissues causing a wide range of symptoms including gum tenderness, discoloration, bad breath, and a receding gum line. Learn how we treat bleeding gums in our Bethesda, MD dentist office below.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums in Bethesda, MD
During your routine preventative dental appointment, one of our skilled dental professionals will perform a dental cleaning and periodontal screening. During the periodontal screening, we evaluate your gums based on their sensitivity and the amount of build-up surrounding them. We will do our best to remove any build-up that may be causing your gum inflammation. However, if your gingivitis has progressed past the point of being treated with routine cleaning, we may suggest a deep cleaning appointment, also known as periodontal disease treatment. Deep cleaning allows us to remove any bacteria that has made its way below your gum line.
Dr. Khanna can help you maintain your gum health and avoid the progression of gum disease. We recommend that patients schedule routine preventative care appointments once every six months. This allows Dr. Khanna and her dental care team to keep a close eye on your dental health and address any minor issues, such as bleeding gums before they develop into more serious dental concerns.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
How can I avoid bleeding gums?
The best way to avoid bleeding gums is to take good care of your oral health. Good oral hygiene habits include brushing your teeth as least twice a day, flossing once a day, and going to the dentist every six months. Additionally, avoiding tobacco can help as well. Tobacco of any sort causes damage to your gums and increases your risk of developing gum disease.
Is it normal for my gums to bleed a little bit while flossing?
No. Any amount of blood while flossing is not normal and is a clear sign of tartar or plaque buildup. Failure to remove this build-up regularly means the development of gum disease is inevitable. The best way to avoid this is to floss daily.
What is the meaning of bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums is a strong indicator of gum disease. Neglecting your teeth and gums will lead to plaque build-up on your teeth, especially along the gum lines. This plaque is filled with bacteria which will make your gums become infected and inflamed. Tender gums will easily bleed when flossed or brushed.
When should I be concerned about bleeding gums?
Everyone can experience bleeding gums if you brush extremely hard a day or get something stuck between your teeth. But if your gums are bleeding regularly, especially every time you brush your teeth, that’s a sign of gum disease developing. If it’s happening multiple times a week, it’s time for a dental checkup.
Can a saltwater rinse help bleeding gums?
While it shouldn’t be used as the only treatment, regular saltwater rinses can help your bleeding gums. Warm saltwater rinses can reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth and can help to stop bleeding gums.
Can certain foods help cure bleeding gums?
No select food treats bleeding gums, but certain foods support gum health. Fresh fruits and vegetables are crisp and crunchy, helping to clear plaque away from your gum line and prevent buildup. Whole grains, nuts, tea, and other foods and drinks help gum health as well.
Can gingivitis be cured?
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and the only one that can actually be reversed. Quality oral hygiene and antibiotic rinses reverse this beginning stage of gum disease. However, once gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, reversing it is no longer possible.
Can my gums bleed from stress?
Stress can be a factor in why your gums bleed. Stress weakens our immune system, making it more susceptible to disease and infection. You have an increased risk of various dental problems, including gum disease and consequences from teeth grinding.
If you are looking for a family dentist office in Bethesda, MD, we hope you will consider Bethesda Family Smiles. Dr. Khanna is known for her compassionate and caring approach to the oral health needs and aesthetic goals of our patients. Our office welcomes new patients of all ages. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to seeing you very soon.