Have you noticed bleeding gums after brushing and flossing your teeth? You might have an oral health condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is one of the earlier stages of periodontitis, or gum disease. Dr. Leah Romay offers comprehensive treatment for gingivitis, gum disease, and bleeding gums in Glyndon, MD.
Signs of Gum Disease
Periodontitis is a progressive disease that begins with gingivitis. Recognizing all the signs can save you from further damage and the devastating effects of the disease. Contact your dentist for early intervention if you notice these signs.
- Bleeding gums: Gums that bleed when flossing or brushing your teeth are often the first signs of gingivitis.
- Red, swollen, or sore gums: Inflammation is also one of the first signs of gingivitis. Normal gums are firm and pale pink.
- Bad breath: Bad breath is caused by bacteria in plaque. If you have persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, this can be a sign of gum disease.
If you ignore the signs of gingivitis, it can advance into periodontitis, and the signs and symptoms will become more evident.
- Receding gums: As periodontal disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth. Your teeth may begin to look longer.
- Sensitive teeth: Your receding gums will expose the roots of your teeth, making them sensitive to hot and cold.
- Loose teeth: As gum disease progresses, damage to the structures supporting the teeth is evident. This will cause your teeth to become loose.
- Pain when chewing: As gum disease affects teeth support, chewing can be painful.
- Pus between teeth and gums: Pus or sores inside the mouth are a sign of infection and indicate more advanced gum disease.
- Changes to the bite: Periodontal disease can affect the alignment of the teeth and how they fit together when biting.
- Changes to the fit of your dentures: Periodontal disease can alter the gum and bone structure, affecting the fit of dentures.
The Serious Risks of Ignoring Bleeding Gums
Just like any other disease, gum disease can have a detrimental effect on your health. If you fail to treat your bleeding gums and gum disease, you are putting yourself at risk for many oral and systemic health problems.
- Tooth loss: Left untreated, gum disease will progress into the final stages of advanced periodontitis. This is when the gums and bones that support the teeth become loose and degrade. They will no longer be able to support your teeth, and tooth loss will occur.
- Bone Loss: Periodontitis can cause bone loss in the jaw, affecting the stability of teeth and facial structure. Bone loss in the jaw will cause your face to sag, resulting in an aged appearance.
- Abscesses: Infections in the gums can lead to the formation of abscesses, which are painful and can spread infection to other parts of the body.
People with an advanced stage of gum disease are suffering from a serious medical condition and should never ignore it. Untreated gum disease is linked to many other diseases and health conditions. People who do not care for their health generally risk further health conditions.
- Increased Risk of Heart Disease
- Risk of Stroke
- Complications with Diabetes
- Respiratory Infections
- Complications with Pregnancy or Adverse Outcomes
- Increased Risk of Cancer (oral, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer)
- Increased Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Cognitive Decline (such as Alzheimer’s disease)
Treating Bleeding Gums
Dental Cleaning: Prevention is the best way to fight gingivitis and periodontitis. Schedule routine visits to our office for dental cleanings. Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Most patients who believe they have gum disease may just need a dental cleaning.
Scaling & Root Planing: This intensive cleaning procedure removes plaque and tartar from deep pockets of the gum and smooths the surface of tooth roots.
Periodontal Therapy: Patients with advanced stages of gum disease may be treated with more advanced procedures or gum surgery. We may refer you to a periodontist, or a gum disease specialist when needed.
Preventing Gum Disease
Visiting the dentist twice a year can help control the spread of oral bacteria. Routine dental health exams with Dr. Romay allow her to intervene early in gum disease. Gingivitis can be controlled and stopped with dental cleanings and improved at-home oral hygiene routines. During a one-on-one consultation, Dr. Romay can make personalized recommendations on how to brush and floss more effectively.
Bleeding Gums FAQS
Bleeding gums are never normal. Start here if your gums are bleeding and you want to learn more about the condition. Read through the answers to our frequently asked questions regarding bleeding gums. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our dentist office.
What deficiency causes your gums to bleed?
Gum bleeding could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency in your diet. Bleeding gums are commonly a sign of low levels of vitamin K or C. Strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and citrus fruit foods all have high levels of vitamin C. Spinach and kale are foods high in vitamin K. Eating these can increase your body levels of these vitamins, which may reduce gum bleeding.
Can stress cause bleeding gums?
Sustained stress weakens the immune system and reduces the body’s capacity to fight infections. It also puts people at a higher risk of developing a number of dental conditions, including bleeding and swollen gums.
Can your gums bleed while you sleep?
Clenching or grinding your teeth is one of the most common causes of bleeding gums. Typically, this happens while you’re asleep. The continual pressure and clenching of the teeth may seriously affect the gums, leading to bleeding gums.
How long does it take for gums to stop bleeding?
If you have recently started flossing and brushing regularly again, your gums may bleed. When flossing properly and often enough, the bleeding should stop in 3 to 10 days. If it does not stop after that time, this may be an indication of more serious issues.
Can bleeding gums affect your heart?
According to research, bleeding gums and gum inflammation can come before heart attacks and strokes. These unexpected vascular events can be related to your oral health.
Can depression cause bleeding gums?
According to research, the hormone cortisol can rise in the body in response to depression and anxiety. Due to high cortisol levels, people with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to gum inflammation and illness.
When brushed, bleeding gums could indicate gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Depression is not the cause of your bleeding gums, however there could be a hormonal correlation.
If you want to treat dental concerns such as bleeding and swollen gums, call 410.220.4680 or request an appointment with Dr. Romay on our website.