When to See Your Dentist About Bleeding Gums

Maybe you’ve noticed a little blood when you brush or floss. It may seem harmless, but you should see it as a bright red flag.

The primary cause of bleeding gums is plaque buildup and ignoring it only leads to more problems. In the early stages, plaque causes gingivitis or gum inflammation. Without treatment, plaque hardens into tartar, causing even more bleeding and leading to the advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis, which puts your oral and physical health at risk.

According to the CDC, nearly half of the American adults (that’s 64.7 million people) have some degree of gum disease, and it’s largely preventable.

Robert Scott Nance, D.D.S., M.S., P.A., with offices in Statesville, NC & Hickory, NC, takes a proactive approach to educating patients about maintaining optimal oral health. To that end, he offers the following premier on avoiding and treating gum disease.

The importance of good periodontal health

Healthy gums and jawbones may not seem important, but they play an essential role in optimal oral health. Your periodontal health describes the condition of your gums and the bones supporting your teeth. 

Without the strong foundation healthy gums and jaw provide, your teeth have nowhere to anchor themselves. Gum disease can seriously compromise this foundation and is a leading cause of tooth loss.

Spotting the signs of a problem

You may shrug off slight gum bleeding while brushing and flossing. However, gingivitis — the precursor to full-blown periodontal disease — begins with inflammation in the gum tissue around the base of your teeth. 

Catching gum disease in its earliest stages allows our team to treat it in less invasive ways, like scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath your gums. With root planing, we smooth the tooth root, allowing your gums to reattach and giving them a fresh start. 

Without treatment, the disease progresses to more severe stages, known as periodontitis. This serious infection involves deep bacteria-filled pockets between your teeth and gums. If you ignore them, the soft tissue damage worsens and endangers your jawbone, which can lead to tooth loss.

The dangers of neglecting periodontal disease

Gum disease puts more than your oral health at risk; it also affects your immune system and overall wellness. Periodontitis has been linked to an increased risk for

• Heart disease,
• Stroke,
• Diabetes

Treatments for gum disease.

As with nearly every oral health issue, successful treatment requires teamwork between you and your dentist. If you have gum disease, Dr. Nance may recommend one or more of the following treatments::

• Antibacterial mouthwash to fight infection 
• Dental scaling and root planing to thoroughly clean your teeth above and below your gums
• Antiseptic chips that gradually release antiseptic, often used after root planing
• Bone and tissue grafts to replace damaged areas in your mouth
• Flap surgery, which lifts gums to remove tartar before suturing them back in place

Remember, gum disease is highly preventable. Simply practice consistent, good oral hygiene and schedule regular professional cleanings. And, if you have bleeding gums or other signs of gum disease, schedule with Dr. Nance.

Don’t wait to address your bleeding gums; call either of Dr. Nance’s offices to schedule your appointment today.