Bleeding Gums

If you experience bleeding gums when you floss or brush your teeth, then it is important you take the necessary steps to get your gums healthy. Bleeding gums is a sign that plaque has built up where the teeth meet the gums, a condition that can lead to gingivitis and/or Periodontitis.

Although these forms of gum disease can be serious, they often have little or no warning signs. As a result, many people at risk for gingivitis or Periodontitis aren't even aware of it.

If you're experiencing bleeding gums, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Madison by calling (310)553-2940.

Oral Hygiene

Oftentimes, bleeding gums are the result of improper brushing and flossing habits. Poor oral hygiene and a diet high in sugary or highly processed foods can cause a buildup of plaque, a sticky, colorless film that clings to the teeth.

When the bacteria in plaque build up, it causes the gums to become inflamed and swollen, bleeding easily when flossing or brushing. This stage, called gingivitis, can be reversed with proper oral hygiene: brushing and flossing twice a day with regular dental checkups. A nutritious, balanced diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables will also help keep your gums health.

However, if gingivitis is not kept in check it can progress to Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can affect the jawbone as well as the gums. Periodontitis causes the gums to recede away from the tooth, creating "pockets" where bacteria can thrive. As the disease progresses, it can destroy the gums and surrounding bone, causing the teeth to loosen.

Other Causes of Bleeding Gums

Using a hard-bristled tooth brush or brushing to hard

Improper flossing technique

Vitamin C or K deficiency

Infection, which can be either tooth- or gum-related

Leukemia

Scurvy

Medication intake, particularly blood thinners

Injury

Teeth whiteners, harsh breath fresheners, and acidic foods

Treating Gum Disease

If the gum disease has progressed to the Periodontitis stage, a professional cleaning by a well-trained periodontist is required. (Regular checkups and good oral hygiene are insufficient to halt the problem at this point.) A professional dental cleaning to remove plaque, tartar, and other debris between the gum line and teeth can help lessen the recurrence of gum disease or slow its progress. In many cases of gum disease, it is recommended to see the periodontist every 3-4 months instead of twice yearly.

For patients with plaque and calculus (also known as tartar), a non-surgical treatment called scaling and root planing can also help. This procedure can be done under a local anesthetic in a single dental visit. This technique removes plaque and tartar above and below the gums by scraping the tartar from the tooth (scaling) and then smoothing the uneven spots on the tooth, known as planing. The bumps and spots caused by bacteria on the tooth prevent the gums from reattaching properly, so it is essential that they be smoothed over.

Surgical Options for Treating Gum Disease

Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, however, some of the following surgical treatments may be prescribed:

Pocket Reduction Surgery
Microtherapy
Regenerative Procedures
Crown Lengthening
Soft Tissue Grafts
Dental Implants (if you've already lost a tooth due to periodontal disease)

At Beverly Hills Periodontics, we offer the most advanced periodontal disease treatment techniques available for safe and effective management of periodontal issues. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Madison, please call (310)553-2940.

If you have any other questions or comments regarding this article, please contact us at (310) 553-2940 or by email at periodontics@earthlink.net.

Dr. Miles Madison, D.D.S., is an award-winning periodontist in Beverly Hills, California.