Chances are, you’ve had to deal with your gums bleeding, as it is a common reaction to brushing your gums either too hard or not enough. However, after you start brushing and flossing your gums regularly and there is still bleeding, you may have a larger issue. Bleeding gums is a mild form of gum disease called gingivitis. If left unchecked and untreated, gingivitis can turn into a much more severe gum disease called Periodontal Disease (Periodontitis). Periodontitis can slowly erode your teeth, leading to extreme pain and even loss of teeth. At Emergency Dental Services, we’ll give you the knowledge you need to know whether your bleeding gums are a dental emergency or just a temporary setback!
Gum Disease Causes
There are quite a few causes of periodontal disease that stem beyond just not brushing your teeth regularly. It’s crucial to determine how the disease originated in order to prevent gum disease from recurring.
Not Brushing or Flossing
The most common cause is just not looking after your teeth correctly. If you do not floss or brush your teeth, you allow bacteria to build up in your gums. From there, your gums can become inflamed and discolored to the point where chronic bleeding gums and difficulty chewing and talking become the norm. Ensure you brush at least twice a day to curb any gum disease.
Tartar Build Up
Tartar naturally builds up around our teeth over time, no matter how well we brush and floss. Tartar is plaque that has hardened around your teeth and is filled with bacteria. So if left unchecked, it can lead to gum disease. The only way to remove tartar is by having a professional dentist remove it for you. Usually, this is done when you get your bi-yearly teeth cleaning.
Diabetes
People with diabetes have higher levels of sugar in their blood system, which is an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. This means bleeding gums can form into periodontal disease more quickly in people with diabetes than in those without diabetes.
Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Any form of smoking, whether it’s cigarettes or weed, is bad for your teeth, and especially your gums. Smoking reduces blood flow around your mouth, making it harder for your body to fight infections and bacteria within your gums. You can combat this by not smoking altogether.
Genetics
Sometimes we just have bad luck! Genetics can make certain people more prone to periodontal disease, so even if you are brushing and going to the dentist regularly, you still can have bleeding gums. If that’s the case, you just have to be more diligent about taking care of your teeth.
How To Stop Bleeding Gums
Oral Care
The easiest and best way to prevent bleeding gums and periodontal disease is by consistent brushing and flossing. If you are having trouble following through with flossing or brushing, try setting reminders on your phone’s calendar app, or create an easy-to-follow routine each day where brushing and flossing are included.
Regular Dental Visits
By having a professional look at your teeth and gums twice a year, you can stay ahead of any dental issues, including gum disease. Your dentist will give you all the right tips and tricks to brush and floss correctly, preventing any form of bleeding gums.
Visit Your Nearest Emergency Dentist
If you have chronic bleeding gums, gum discoloration, and constant pain when chewing or talking, then you probably have periodontitis and need to visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. If you live in or near Fairfax, Virginia, contact Emergency Dental Services for 24/7 service and no wait times. Call today for rapid gum disease relief and care!