what are bleeding gums a symptom of?
Bleeding gums can be caused by a variety of things such as brushing and flossing too vigorously. But if your gums won’t stop bleeding, or they always look and feel swollen, it’s likely a sign that you’re suffering from one of the most common (but dangerous) oral health issues — gum disease.
Why gum disease causes gums to bleed:
- Gum disease starts when plaque accumulates
- Plaque eventually hardens into tartar
- Tartar irritates your gums, causing inflammation and swelling
- Swollen gums are more likely to bleed
when to be concerned about bleeding gums
Occasional bleeding from your gums isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. It’s possible that the bleeding is a short-lived one-time issue caused by a change in your brushing and flossing habits.
However, because of the connection between irritated gums and periodontal disease, it’s always best to monitor the situation closely. Give us a call if you don’t notice an improvement in a day or so, or if it’s been more than 6 months since your last dental cleaning and exam.
How to treat bleeding gums
What does a dentist do for bleeding gums? Treatment to stop bleeding gums must be catered based on severity. Early signs of gum disease can be reduced by making lifestyle changes and keeping up on your twice-a-year dental visits. More advanced cases require treatments like scaling and root planing, sealants, or laser treatments.
That’s what we’re here for. Give us a call at (816) 608-8457 and we’ll evaluate your situation and make the best recommendation for you.
evaluate the health of your gums
Step 1
Request your appointment
Step 2
Get an exam, diagnosis, and custom treatment plan
Step 3
Begin treatment and learn how to stop bleeding gums
answers to your questions
Why do my gums bleed after going to the dentist?
If it’s been a while since you visited the dentist, your professional teeth cleaning might cause your gums to bleed a bit. During a cleaning, your hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar that’s built up since your last visit. This can make your gums feel a little tender afterward, but it should clear up in a day or so. In the meantime, an over-the-counter pain reliever will do the trick.
Can you stop bleeding gums at home?
Try out these at-home tricks to stop the bleeding until you can get in to see your dentist: Hold an ice pack against your gums Try a warm salt water rinse Hold a clean, damp gauze against the affected area or try a wet tea bag containing tannins
How long do bleeding gums take to heal?
Unless you’re suffering from gum disease, random gum bleeding should stop within 3 days. If the bleeding persists or if your gums are constantly bleeding, call us right away.
How can you prevent bleeding gums?
Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes Floss once a day Avoid smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco Visit us every 6 months (or as directed) for a professional exam and cleaning
our liberty office
8650 NE Shoal Creek Valley Dr Kansas City, MO 64157 Get Directions
Call (816) 608-8457 Text (816) 340-6288
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