Did you know that bleeding gums whether brushing, flossing or even getting your teeth professionally cleaned by a registered dental hygienist is not actually normal? In fact, it’s most often an indicator that there is an underlying issue. Usually when your gums bleed, it’s your body’s response to an infection. When plaque and tarter is imbedded with bacteria and is trapped under the gums, your immune system produces more white blood cells to try to fight off these foreign invaders therefore more blood carrying these white blood cells is present at these infection sites.
Bleeding gums is gingivitis (the 1st stage of gum disease) and a call to action, ignoring it can cause irreversible damage. When bacteria sit under your gums, it attacks the ligaments that attach the gums to the teeth and bone below. Once that bacterium breaks apart these ligaments, you get a deep pocket that is impossible for you to get to the bottom of to clean properly. It then creates a snowball effect worsening the gum disease making it extremely difficult and sometimes impossible to restore your gums to their original health.
What should you do if your gums bleed? For starters, make sure your toothbrush is in good condition and your technique is on point. Your dental hygienist is happy to show you the best methods to do this. Disrupting plaque from settling and hardening is your 1st line of defense. Brushing thoroughly and flossing at minimum once every 24 hours is critical! Next is to get a checkup and professional teeth cleaning. Your dental hygienist can assess your teeth and gums, diagnose the periodontal conditions and plan with you the best course of action. By teaming up with your dental hygienist, you’ll implement a personalized treatment plan that may include specific instruments designed to access those deeper pockets and hard to reach areas. Additionally, technologies and techniques such as Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) and Laser Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT) are powerful non-surgical advances in fighting periodontal disease and can be included in your treatment plan.
Depending on the severity of the gum disease, results can vary in terms of how quickly one can restore optimal oral health. Often, we see improvement immediately before you even leave the dental chair. Once initial treatment is complete, your hygienist will evaluate the success of the plan you had in place. Regardless of time, the partnership between you and your dental health care provider in fighting bleeding gums and preventing irreversible periodontal conditions benefits you in helping you to achieve overall health while potentially avoiding costly fixes and/or surgical approaches.
Key Points:
Bleeding gums is NOT ok!
Bleeding gums usually means INFECTION.
Bleeding gums is often the 1st sign of gum disease called GINGIVITIS.
Untreated gingivitis can often lead to irreversible disease.
Fight gum disease with consistent good homecare techniques and use the right supplies.
Team up with your dental hygienist to assess, diagnose, plan and treat bleeding gums.
Treating periodontal disease can include many different approaches, techniques and technologies tailored specifically for your needs.
Prevention, early diagnosis and treatment avoid costly fixes and can prevent surgical approaches.
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