For many people, the first symptom of gum disease to appear is bleeding gums. If your gums are inflamed or bleeding, it may be an indication that you have periodontal disease, also known as gum disease or gum infection. This condition occurs when bacteria irritate the soft tissue supporting your teeth, causing your gums to become red and swollen and your teeth to loosen. Gingivitis can lead to more severe forms of periodontal disease, including bone loss around the teeth and eventually tooth loss.
Bleeding gums can be a common indicator of periodontal disease, which is a condition that attacks gum tissue. If you're suffering from bleeding around your gums or have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, there are treatments available to help improve your situation. While it may seem like nothing more than annoying bleeding in your mouth, keep in mind that it can become much more serious without treatment. If you suspect bleeding gums are due to other causes unrelated to periodontal disease, talk with your dentist for advice on what steps might be best for your situation.
It may be a symptom of a more severe problem, but it's still not a good thing. If you notice your gums bleeding when you brush or floss, it could be a sign that you're at risk for periodontal disease. Here are some symptoms to watch out for: red, swollen gums; bleeding while brushing or flossing; receding gum line; soreness in teeth or around teeth after eating hot/cold foods. And if you notice any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dentist right away.
Even if you aren't currently experiencing any gum bleeding, it can be helpful to know what to do if your gums start to bleed again. First, continue flossing gently so as not to irritate the gums. If you are taking blood thinning over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen consider stopping this and see if it helps your gum bleeding.
If you're experiencing bleeding, there are a few things you can do to try to prevent it. The most important thing is to take care of your teeth and brush your teeth daily. This will not only help avoid bleeding but also reduce your risk of tooth decay or tooth loss. It is recommended to brush at least twice per day, once in the morning after you wake up and again before bedtime at night.
You should also be sure to floss your teeth daily, as well. Flossing helps to reduce plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth, leading to gum disease and bleeding. It's generally recommended that you floss once a day at night before bed but doing it more than once per day if possible is also helpful. Consider using an antibacterial/antimicrobial mouthwash. Common ingredients that can help with bleeding are cetylpyridinium chloride, certain essential oils, and stannous fluoride. Flouride containing mouthwashes also help to strengthen the enamel.
If you're having trouble finding time to fit these activities into your schedule, try using a timer set up to remind you each day of when it's time for your next dental care ritual.
Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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