Have you noticed bleeding gums after brushing and flossing your teeth? You might have gingivitis.
Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is one of the earlier stages of periodontitis, or gum disease. Dr. Leah Romay treats gingivitis and gum disease at Baltimore Dental Co. If you would like to treat dental concerns such as bleeding and swollen gums, call 410.220.4680 or request a consultation with Dr. Romay on our website.
Signs of Gum Disease
Call our Glyndon, MD office if you notice these periodontal symptoms:
- Red, swollen or sore gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums
- Sores in the mouth
- Bad breath
- Changes in the bite or fit of dentures
Gum disease can increase your risk of:
- Tooth loss
- Facial sagging
- Bone loss
- Gum recession
- Shifting teeth
- Halitosis
- Gum swelling
Patients who have gum disease are more prone to developing heart problems, including heart attacks, cardiovascular disease, and strokes. It is imperative that you contact our dental office at the first sign of gum disease so that we can reverse symptoms before they worsen.
Treating Bleeding Gums
Dental Cleaning: Prevention is the best way to fight gingivitis and periodontitis. Schedule routine visits to our office for dental cleanings. Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. Most patients that believe they have gum disease may just need a dental cleaning.
Scaling & Root Planing: An intensive cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar from deep pockets of the gum and smooth the surface of tooth roots.
Periodontal Therapy: Patients with advanced stages of gum disease may be treated with more advanced procedures or gum surgery. We may refer you to a periodontist, or a gum disease specialist when needed.
Preventing Gum Disease
Visiting the dentist twice a year can help you control the spread of oral bacteria. Routine dental health exams with Dr. Romay allow her to provide early intervention of gum disease.
Gingivitis can be controlled and stopped just by dental cleanings and improved at-home oral hygiene routines. Dr. Romay can make personalized recommendations on how to brush and floss more effectively during a one-on-one consultation.
BLEEDING GUMS FAQS
What deficiency causes your gums to bleed?
Gum bleeding could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency if your diet. Bleeding gums are commonly a sign of low levels of vitamin K or C. Strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and citrus fruit foods all have high levels of vitamin C. Spinach and kale are foods high in vitamin K. Eating these can increase your bodies levels of these vitamins, which may reduce gum bleeding.
Can stress cause bleeding gums?
Sustained stress weakens your immune system, and reduces the capacity of your body to fight infections. This also means that stress puts you at a higher risk of developing a number of dental conditions, including bleeding and swollen gums.
Can your gums bleed while you sleep?
Clenching or grinding your teeth is one of the most common causes of bleeding gums. Typically, this happens while you’re asleep. The gums may be seriously affected by the continual pressure and clenching of the teeth, which can lead to bleeding gums.
How long does it take for gums to stop bleeding?
Your gums may bleed if you have recently started flossing and brushing regularly again. If you floss properly and often enough, the bleeding should stop in 3 to 10 days. If bleeding does not stop after that time, this may be an indication of more serious issues.
Can bleeding gums affect your heart?
According to research, bleeding gums and gum inflammation can come before heart attacks, strokes. These unexpected vascular events can be related to your oral health.
Can depression cause bleeding gums?
According to research, the hormone cortisol can rise in the body in response to depression and anxiety. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to gum inflammation and illness due to high cortisol levels.
When brushed, bleeding gums could indicate gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease. Depression is not the cause of your bleeding gums, however there could be a hormonal correlation.