Bleeding Gums: Causes and Treatment in King's Lynn

Bleeding gums when you brush or floss are common, and they are often an early sign of gum disease. At Lynn Road Dental Practice in Gaywood, King's Lynn, our dentists and hygienists can find the cause and help you get your gums healthy again with gum disease therapy, Airflow hygiene appointments and laser periodontal treatment.

There are many reasons why you may experience bleeding gums from something simple, like using the wrong technique when you brush or floss, or it could be a sign of a more serious issue such as a health condition you need to check out.

What causes bleeding gums?

• You may have bleeding gums if you:
• Have gum disease that causes inflammation of the gums (gingivitis or periodontitis)
• Brush too hard or your toothbrush is too hard
• Just started a flossing routine and your gums aren't used to it yet
• Take certain medications, like blood thinners
• Have inflamed gums because you're pregnant (pregnancy gingivitis)
• Have dentures that don't fit well
• Faulty dental restorations
• Underlying medical condition such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn's disease

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, discuss this with your Lynn Road Dental Practice dentist or hygienist at your next review. If you are suffering inflammation or discomfort, don’t wait for your next review, give us a call on 01553 767543 as soon as possible to get it checked out.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth - a sticky substance that contains bacteria. Some bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some are harmful for the health of your gums.

If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them regularly, it builds up, particularly under the gum line and hardens into tartar, which becomes more difficult to remove. Tartar can irritate your gums and lead to redness with bleeding, swelling and soreness.

Gingivitis can be prevented and often managed with a good oral hygiene regime. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, rinse daily with an antibacterial mouthwash, and see your dentist regularly.

During your routine reviews and dental hygiene visits at Lynn Road Dental Practice we will address any early signs of gum disease, giving your teeth a thorough clean and remove any hardened plaque (tartar). We will also show you how to clean your teeth effectively to help prevent plaque building up in the future.

If you have an increased risk of developing gum problems (for example, you smoke or have diabetes), you may be advised to visit Lynn Road Dental Practice more often so your teeth and gums can be closely monitored.

Periodontitis

If you don't take care of your gingivitis in its early stages, it can lead to a more progressive form of gum disease known as periodontal disease or periodontitis.

At this stage the original plaque build up has developed into a harder, more damaging substance known as tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove, hides under the gum line and contains more harmful bacteria. If tartar is not effectively removed, bacteria will develop further and start to damage the soft tissue around the gums, creating pockets between the gumline and the teeth. Once these pockets are formed, it becomes increasingly difficult to manage the disease as they create hard to reach areas for bacteria to continue to develop.

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that, without treatment, can eventually destroy the bone that supports your teeth, leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

There are wider health risks associated with periodontitis too. The bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, possibly affecting other parts of your body. For example, periodontitis is linked with respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease and problems controlling blood sugar in diabetes.

Signs of Periodontitis include:

• Gums bleed easily
• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Gums pull away from the base of your teeth
• Bad breath and/or bad taste in your mouth

If you have Periodontitis you will need to regularly see the Lynn Road Dental Practice dental and hygiene team to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums and manage the condition. In some cases, surgery may need to be carried out, usually performed by a dental specialist in gum problems (periodontist).

When to see your dentist or hygienist

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you should discuss this with your Lynn Road Dental Practice dentist or hygienist at your next review. If, however you are suffering from painful, swollen gums, don’t wait for your next review. Give us a call on 01553 767543 as soon as possible to get it checked out.

Our dentist and/or hygienist will carry out a thorough dental examination to check the health of your gums. In some cases, a number of X-rays may be needed to check the condition of your teeth and jaw bone.

Bleeding gums treatment in King's Lynn

Treatment depends on the cause. For most people it starts with a thorough examination and a professional clean to remove the plaque and tartar that irritate the gums, followed by advice on brushing and cleaning between your teeth at home.

• Dental hygiene appointments, including Airflow GBT at £100
• Gum disease therapy for gingivitis and early gum disease
• Laser periodontal treatment for more advanced periodontal disease

Bleeding gums: common questions

Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

The most common reason is a build-up of plaque along the gum line, which makes the gums inflamed and more likely to bleed. Brushing too hard, a new flossing routine, pregnancy and some medicines can also play a part.

Will bleeding gums go away on their own?

Early gum inflammation can often be managed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning. If the bleeding continues for more than a week or two, it is worth having your gums checked.

When should I see a dentist about bleeding gums?

Book an appointment if your gums bleed regularly, look red or swollen, are pulling away from your teeth, or if you have persistent bad breath or loose teeth.

Worried about bleeding gums?

Call Lynn Road Dental Practice on 01553 767543 or book an appointment online. New patients are welcome.