MY GUMS BLEED WHEN I BRUSH. IS THIS NORMAL?
No, this is not normal! This is one of the most common dental problems and also the most misunderstood. One out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In adults 65 and older, prevalence rates increase to 70.1 percent.
Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a bacterial infection of your gums. The gum tissue becomes red, puffy, and bleeds easily because of the localized bacterial infection. As the disease progresses, the gum tissue and bone holding the tooth are destroyed.
Gum disease facts:
- Gum disease is caused by the bacteria in plaque.
- Everyone has bacteria in their mouth.
- Bleeding gums are NOT normal.
- Gum disease is treatable.
- Gum disease should be treated as soon as possible. The longer you have it, the more damage it causes.
Gum disease myths:
- You can just take antibiotics for your bleeding gums.
- Your gums are supposed to bleed when you brush or floss.
- Bleeding gums mean you are going to lose your teeth.
- Your gums bleed because you are brushing too hard.
How to prevent bleeding gums
If you notice signs of gum disease, you might need to pay more attention to your dental care.
Here’s how to prevent gum disease, and keep your gums healthy:
- Brush your teeth after every meal for at least two minutes. Using a quality electric toothbrush is best.
- Use dental floss every day. Flossing is vital in cleaning in-between the teeth.
- Use a soft toothbrush.
- Antibacterial mouthwashes may also help.
Treatment options for bleeding gums:
Gingivitis, the first phase of periodontal disease, is usually treated with regular cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Our hygienists will teach you how to care for your teeth and gums. We recommend using a quality electric toothbrush to better remove bacteria and plaque from the teeth and gum tissue.
Periodontal Disease is treated with a procedure called “Scaling and Root Planing“. The hygienists removes plaque, tarter and bacteria from the roots of the teeth. This allows your body to heal the inflamed gums and return them to normal. Depending on how severe your gum disease is, you may also need laser treatment.
More people lose their teeth from gum disease than from trauma or decay. Excellent home dental care and routine visits to the dentist are vital to preventing periodontal disease.
Interested in a new smile? Want a better smile? Are you concerned that you don’t have great dental health? Visit our office at 3421 Burke Rd Ste A, Pasadena, Texas 77504. Or call us at 713-941-8261.
Making yearly dental checkups is essential for identifying periodontal disease in its early stages. Make sure to let your dentist know if you observe any bleeding or inflammation of your gums. It’s crucial that they are aware of the symptoms you are already experiencing, even though they can see the tartar build-up during your yearly cleaning.
What are the Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?
It’s critical to contact your dentist right away if you feel any pain, irritation, or bleeding when brushing. When gum disease progresses and causes discomfort, decay, and tooth loss, you might not notice any changes in your teeth until later. The early stages of periodontal disease might be painless. Potential warning indicators of periodontal disease include the following:
- Gum bleeding
- Inflamed, red, or sensitive gums
- Shrinking gums
- Taste or breath problems
- Tissue surrounding teeth is destroyed
- Development of large spaces between teeth and gums
- Slipping or loose teeth
- Alterations to denture fit or bite
- Unpleasant chewing
Make an appointment with our Pasadena, Texas, dental office right away if you’re having any of these symptoms, since untreated decay can worsen gum disease and cause tooth loss.
Is Periodontal Disease a Risk for Me?
The most significant risk factor for periodontal disease is not cleaning your teeth enough or frequently enough; however, there are a few other variables that might also raise your risk:
- Consuming tobacco
- Uneven teeth or crowded teeth
- Underlying immune system illness
- Defective fillings
- Drugs that result in dry mouth
- Hormonal changes brought on by oral contraceptives or pregnancy
What distinguishes Periodontitis from Gingivitis?
While periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that can result in bone loss and tooth loss, gingivitis may refer to gum inflammation in the early stages of gum disease.
Early on in the disease, an overabundance of bacteria can cause plaque and tartar to build up, eroding tooth enamel and damaging the tissues that separate the teeth from the gums. This is known as gingivitis. At this point, you can have pain and sensitivity in the gum area, as well as an increased risk of bleeding. Some patients, on the other hand, do not exhibit any gingivitis symptoms at all until it is too late.
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, call our Pasadena, Texas, dental office at 713-941-8261. We are located at 3421 Burke Rd., suite A, Pasadena, Texas