Do your gums bleed? Bleeding gums may sometimes be due to simple irritation or may be a sign of gum disease. If you notice your gums bleeding, contact your Tucson dentist as soon as possible. We will check you to see if the bleeding gums are caused by a minor irritant or whether a more serious health issue exists.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common cause of bleeding gums. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque along or underneath the gum line. Bacteria in the mouth combine with sugar to create plaque. Plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.
If plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, they can lead to inflammation, infection, and decay. Inflamed gums eventually break down, forming pockets along the gum line. Bacteria then infect these pockets, eventually destroying the gums and the bones that hold teeth in place. When this occurs, the tissue collects around the base of the tooth, also causing the gums to bleed.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which is easily treatable. If left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, a serious infection of the gums and bone.
Symptoms Of Gum Disease
Gum disease ranges from mild to severe, so the symptoms can vary. However, some symptoms include:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums
- Tenderness or pain when you brush or floss your teeth
- Tooth sensitivity
Prevention
Taking good care of your mouth can help reduce your risk of gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist for routine cleanings and exams.
Treatment Options
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease. The treatment options for gum disease include the following:
- Scaling and root planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease. It removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths and polishes the roots to decrease the risk of bacteria buildup. Scaling and root planing can often be completed in a single visit, and it can help resolve even the most severe cases of gum disease.
- Arestin®
Arestin® is an antibiotic that, when placed directly in the infected area, can help control infection. Arestin® is a good option for patients who do respond to scaling and root planing, but need more help getting over their infection.
- Dental Surgery
Gum disease can progress and cause pain, bad breath, gum recession, and more. For advanced gum disease, surgery may be needed.
Gum disease surgery involves cutting away the diseased tissue from the tooth root and gum line and grafting the area with healthy gum tissue. The graft allows your tissue to regrow, and your gums will heal.
To learn about our dental procedures, call Desert Mountain Dental at (520) 324-0100 and schedule an appointment or visit our Tucson dental office.