Do you notice bloodstains in the sink when you spit after brushing? If you floss, does blood build up in your mouth after you’ve finished? If you are familiar with these scenarios, you may have bleeding gums. This is a form of gum disease that arises when you do not pay keen attention to your oral health.
Most people brush their teeth. But a majority forget that cleaning the gums is part of oral health care. There is no need to panic if you have bleeding gums. Qualified dental specialists at Lovett Dental Pearland will give you the right cleaning routine to manage the condition.
The causes are numerous. Most of them relate to poor oral health practices. The causes of bleeding gums include:
4 Common Causes of Bleeding Gums
1. Gingivitis
This is a mild form of gum disease. It results from the accumulation of plaque on the teeth. Plaque builds up on the teeth when you don’t brush properly. The plaque may also build up around the teeth, where it is inaccessible through brushing or flossing.
Going for regular teeth cleaning services will eliminate plaque in those areas. Bleeding arises through the following steps:
- Plaque builds up and hardens under the gum line.
- The plaque becomes tartar.
- Tartar accumulates bacteria.
- The bacterium irritates the gingiva resulting in inflammation.
- With time, the gums swell and bleed easily.
2. Hormonal Changes
This is common for pregnant women. The body experiences a lot of hormonal changes during pregnancy. These changes affect the way the woman’s body responds to bacteria responsible for gum disease. As a result, expectant women may develop swollen gums that bleed when they brush.
3. Medications
Certain medications are responsible for bleeding gums. These are blood thinners, such as anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Anticoagulants are responsible for making it harder for a blood clot to form. Antiplatelets, on the other hand, prevent platelets from sticking together to form a clot.
When you are on these medications, you need to mind your oral health routine. You’ll have to consult your dentist on the kind of toothbrush that can reduce the damage to the gums. The dentist will explain the procedure for flossing that will minimize cuts and slices to the gum. Taking extra caution while on these medications will minimize bleeding gums.
4. Switching Toothbrushes or Your Flossing Routine
Your gums are used to a certain type of toothbrush. Changing toothbrushes may affect your gums. This is especially the case when you go from soft-bristled to a firm toothbrush. Changing the flossing routine will also impact your gums.
You’ll notice some bloodstains if you increase the intensity and frequency of the flossing routine. Similarly, if you resume flossing after keeping away for some days, then your gums will bleed. Luckily, the bleeding will stop in about a week. It is important to consult dentists nearby for the correct toothbrush and flossing routine.
Getting Bleeding Gums Treatment at Lovett Dental Pearland
Lovett has dentists who offer general and specialized services. You’ll be able to get treatment for all conditions under a single roof. Getting access to multiple professionals in one location saves you a lot of time. Some of the treatment modules that are available at the facility include:
- Fillings and sealants services: Sealants cover your teeth with a thin plastic coating to minimize plaque accumulation. Fillings cover cracks on the teeth that can act as the breeding ground for bacteria.
- Periodontics treatment services: This treatment uses the latest techniques to treat different forms of gum disease.
- Oral surgery services: Sometimes, gum disease may be so serious it affects the teeth and jaw bone. Oral surgery will help alleviate the condition through bone grafting and exposure-impacted tooth.
- Family dentistry services: This service connects you to a family dentist. The dentist will handle all your oral health-related conditions, including bleeding gums.
Contact Us at Lovett Dental Pearland for Solutions to Your Dental Health
Bleeding gums can occur because of so many factors. You may not be in a position to pinpoint the exact one. Visit Lovett Dental Pearland online to complete our convenient form or contact us via 281-416-5844. We’ll diagnose the cause of your condition and offer the right treatment.