If you notice a little blood in the sink after you brush your teeth, this is a dental concern worthy of bringing up at your next appointment. When you experience gingivitis or bleeding gums, this means that your gums are irritated or inflamed. Typically, this inflammation is due to plaque or tartar buildup. Luckily, we provide treatment for bleeding gums in Westminster, MD.
Plaque and tartar come from when sugary food and beverage residues are left to harden on your tooth surfaces. A thorough dental cleaning is usually what needs to occur in order to reduce your gum inflammation. It’s important to know that when plaque advanced into tartar, tartar cannot be removed by at-home brushing and flossing methods. Tartar must be removed by a trained dental professional like your trusted dentist in Westminster, MD, Dr. Bowersox.
Bleeding Gums Treatment in Westminster, MD
We provide multiple treatments if you have bleeding gums and have or are at risk of gum disease:
Deep Gum Cleaning
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is often the first step in treating gum disease. During this procedure, your dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, where regular brushing can’t reach. The root surfaces are then smoothed to help your gums reattach to your teeth. This treatment can help reduce inflammation, control infection, and stop the bleeding.
Antibiotics
In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to help fight infection and reduce inflammation in the gums. We can apply them directly to the affected areas. Our office often recommends antibiotics after we provide a deep gum cleaning. They help your body heal and prevent the gum disease from spreading further.
Laser Dentistry
Laser therapy is a more advanced treatment option for bleeding gums. Using a special laser, our dentist can remove infected tissue and help promote faster healing with less discomfort. Lasers offer a gentle and minimally invasive way to treat gum disease and reduce bleeding.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Below are some common questions we get about bleeding gums in Westminster, MD:
What is the risk of leaving bleeding gums untreated?
Bleeding gums are the first stage of gum disease. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by a thorough dental cleaning. If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged.
Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose or fall out. Our office provides gum disease treatment options like scaling and root planing or laser gum surgery; however, we would much rather catch it in its early stages to help you avoid more invasive treatments.
How can I prevent myself from getting gum disease?
If you already have bleeding gums and are concerned about gum disease, we recommend that you:
- Brush and Floss Daily: Brush your teeth at least twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Also, floss between your teeth daily to remove food and plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach. You can use a soft toothbrush that is gentle on your gums but still effective at cleaning your teeth.
- Brush After Sugary Snacks: If you eat or drink something with a lot of sugar, try to brush or floss afterward. Sugar can stick to your teeth, and the longer it stays there, the more likely it is to turn into plaque or tartar. This could lead to gum disease.
- Visit Our Dentist Regularly: Regular dental checkups help catch any early signs of gum disease before it gets worse. Your dentist can also clean areas that are hard to reach.
Is it possible to have gum disease and not know it?
This is possible, though there are some warning signs that you can be aware of to look out for. If your gums bleed easily or if you have swollen, tender gums, this is a sign of gum disease.
Also, if you notice your gums have started to pull away from your teeth or if your permanent teeth are loose or separating, you should see our dentist as soon as possible. Any changes that you notice with your smile are essential to report to Dr. Bowersox. He can examine your teeth and gums. Then, he can offer treatment options if needed.
What to avoid when you have bleeding gums?
If you have bleeding gums, you should avoid:
- Hard or Crunchy Foods: Foods like chips, nuts, or hard fruits can irritate your gums and make the bleeding worse. Try soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes while your gums heal.
- Smoking or Using Tobacco: Smoking can slow down the healing of your gums and increase your risk of gum disease. Tobacco also reduces blood flow, which can make the bleeding worse and keep your gums from getting better.
- Using a Hard Toothbrush: Using a toothbrush with hard bristles can hurt your gums and cause them to bleed more. Instead, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently to avoid aggravating the gums.
- Alcohol: Alcohol can dry out your mouth and irritate your gums, which may worsen the bleeding. We recommend that you avoid alcohol until your gums are healed.
- Skipping Your Dental Routine: Even though your gums may be sore, it’s important to keep brushing and flossing carefully to remove plaque. Make sure you use gentle motions to avoid causing more irritation or bleeding.
What is the fastest way to heal bleeding gums?
The best and fastest way to heal bleeding gums is to increase your oral care routine. Bleeding gums are commonly a sign of poor oral hygiene. Gently brush and floss twice a day. You may also rinse with a warm saltwater solution, or hydrogen peroxide.
Does salt water help support gum health?
You can use a saltwater rinse to remove plaque and bacteria from your gums. Gum disease can produce inflamed, bleeding, or swollen gums. Saltwater relieves and soothes gum tissue. You can not cure bleeding gums with saltwater alone; however, it may be useful to treat and promote healing.
Treat Bleeding Gums
Do your gums bleed when you brush? You may need dental care. Get bleeding gums treatment in Westminster, MD. Call Dr. Bowersox today at 410-642-5634. You can also schedule an appointment with us online.