Bleeding Gums Treatment in Macquarie Park

Have you been experiencing bleeding gums? Book a consultation at WiSE Dental in Macquarie Park to uncover the underlying causes and treat gingivitis and gum disease as soon as possible. Read on to discover common reasons why your gums may bleed and how to treat the issue.

What are Bleeding Gums?

If you experience bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth, you shouldn’t simply shrug it off. Bleeding from the gums is a sign something is wrong. This could be that you’re brushing too vigorously or have the wrong type of toothbrush for your oral health needs.

At other times, it could be due to an injury or sensitivities from pregnancy. Bleeding gums, along with other symptoms such as redness, swelling and tenderness, can also be signs of more serious oral health issues. This includes gum inflammation and gum disease.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an earlier stage of gum disease. It mainly affects the surface layers of the gum, particularly where the gum meets the tooth. In addition to bleeding gums, other signs of gingivitis include redness and swelling.

At this stage of gum disease, there is not yet damage to the deeper parts of your gums, teeth or bone. Gingivitis treatment can be as simple as improving oral hygiene practices, like brushing and flossing every day and getting regular cleans from your dentist.

Periodontitis

Plaque that isn’t properly removed eventually hardens and causes the gums to begin separating from the teeth and receding. Once this occurs, gaps can form between the teeth and gums where harmful bacteria and germs can get trapped, attacking the gums and bone structure supporting your teeth. At this point, gingivitis has progressed into the more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis.

Without treatment, periodontitis can result in tooth and bone loss. Patients may also experience tooth aches, abscesses, drifting teeth and lengthening of the teeth with the eventual exposure of the roots. If periodontitis is not treated, it can interfere with chewing. Eventually, the structures that hold the tooth firmly into the gum can become so damaged that teeth begin falling out.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Another less common cause of bleeding gums is a lack of vitamin C and vitamin K. Scurvy, thrombocytopenia and haemophilia can also lead to bleeding gums. These issues can be resolved with improved nutrition. Certain medications such as antidepressants and blood thinners can also cause bleeding gums. Other risk factors include older age, smoking, stress and clenching or grinding teeth.

What are Signs of Gum Disease?

You may have gum disease if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
Swollen gums
Tenderness when biting
Bad breath
A bad taste in the mouth
Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
Receding gums (the gum line shrinks making teeth look longer)

How to Treat Gingivitis and Prevent Bleeding Gums

Treat gingivitis and prevent bleeding gums by:

Brushing at least twice a day, including before bedtime
Using fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush
Cleaning in between your teeth with floss at least once a day
Rinsing with mouthwash daily
Seeing your dentist every six months for regular cleanings and check-ups.

Book Today for Gingivitis Treatment in Macquarie Park

Visit WiSE Dental in Macquarie Park for a comprehensive evaluation on why your gums are bleeding. From there, our experienced dentists can recommend the right kind of bleeding gums treatment. Call today on 02 9119 7963 or contact us online to book a consultation or learn more about how to treat gingivitis.

Book Now