The causes of bleeding gums are not just dental issues but also serious medical conditions. So, if you are experiencing bleeding gums, it may be difficult to assess on your own whether you should observe or schedule an emergency dental visit.
At No Gaps Dental, we strongly recommend seeing your dentist upon any sign of bleeding in the gum area. Early dental intervention is always the key to a more efficient treatment.
Why are bleeding gums a concern?
The causes of bleeding gums range from poor hygiene to uncontrolled or undiagnosed medical conditions. So, whether the bleeding is localised or if it is widespread to affect all gum tissues, bleeding gums need to be immediately checked by your emergency dentist.
Among the usual symptoms that go hand-in-hand with bleeding gums are:
- Bad breath
- Periodontal disease
- Severe pain and discomfort
- Gum boils
- Swollen and tender gums
Causes of Bleeding Gums
When you visit your emergency dentist complaining of bleeding gums, they will first diagnose the cause to ensure the correct treatment. There are several causes of bleeding gums. Usually, they are associated with poor hygiene habits, poorly fitted dental appliances, a dental emergency, or a medical condition.
Gum disease
The leading cause of bleeding gums is the build-up of plaque on the gum line. This may occur with poor oral hygiene, such as forgetting to brush your teeth regularly and neglecting to visit the dentist for routine check-ups and teeth cleaning.
If left untreated, plaque will infect the gums to cause inflamed gum tissues that easily bleed.
Aggressive tooth brushing
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is a must. This protects your gums as it effectively scrapes off dirt and irritants. Otherwise, if a hard-bristled toothbrush is used and the force is too intrusive, you may scratch the gums and cause bleeding.
Improper flossing
Flossing should be performed with the dental floss directed against the tooth. Use the “C-shape” technique when flossing for optimal dirt removal. Even if your gums are healthy, flossing them too hard will cause bleeding.
Soft tissue trauma
Picking your gums with a toothpick or accidental blows to the face may also cause bleeding gums. For extensive dental injury causing uncontrolled bleeding, it may be better to visit an emergency dental clinic for urgent medical treatment while you wait to see a dentist.
Dental infection
A dental abscess may also cause bleeding gums, especially with pus on the gum area. When this is accidentally poked, the accumulation of pus and bacteria may result in bleeding. Contact your emergency dentist to have the area cleaned to prevent the infection from recurring.
Ill-fitting dentures
Some dentures have clasps that wrap around a natural tooth to stabilise them. But if they are too sharp, they can cause bleeding gums. Visit your dentist to have the clasps adjusted.
Loose metal brackets and sharp wires
Another cause of bleeding gums is metal braces, especially the wires. If the wires are not cut correctly, they may scratch your gums and cause injury.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Pregnancy gingivitis is a problem that causes inflammation of the gums in pregnant women. This can cause bleeding gums even with gentle toothbrushing or flossing.
Blood thinners
Lastly, bleeding gums is common, especially during toothbrushing or professional teeth cleaning if you are taking blood thinners. Let your dentist know if you are under these medications so proper protocol can be carried out to keep you safe during teeth cleaning.
Treating Bleeding Gums
Some causes of bleeding gums are easily treated, especially those that involve oral hygiene habits or a dental appliance. Execute brushing and flossing better to keep your gums safe and prevent bleeding.
Meanwhile, for your dental appliance, you can have your dentist adjust or remake it to provide a better fit.
With regards to gingivitis, this is better addressed with preventative dentistry.
Visit your dentist at least every six months for professional teeth cleaning. This involves removing all irritants even underneath your gums to prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria.
Dental check-ups can also make all the difference in keeping your gums healthy.
Other things that can help with bleeding gums are:
- Use of antiseptic mouthwash
- Proper hygiene education
- Non-abrasive toothpaste
- An electric toothbrush
When to Visit an Emergency Dentist for Bleeding Gums?
If the bleeding is caused by a dental emergency such as:
- Dental trauma
- Uncontrolled bleeding from recent tooth extraction
- Generalised gum bleeding
Then, it is best to schedule a visit with your emergency dentist so they can provide urgent care. However, if the problem is due to a systemic disease, coordinate with your physician so they can assess and provide proper treatment.
Healthy Gums, Healthy Smile
When you visit us at No Gaps Dental with a complaint of bleeding gums, our team will assess your current oral health. They will integrate these findings with your overall health to accurately diagnose your condition. This way, they can provide the appropriate treatment route to restore your gums to better health and improve your general oral hygiene.
The best advice our dentist can give when taking care of your gums is to never take preventative dental care for granted. Such treatments are in place to prevent dental diseases before they can impact your teeth and gums.
Learn how we can help you obtain and maintain a healthy smile by contacting us at (02) 8007 6727, or why not schedule a dental check-up and clean.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Medline Plus – Bleeding Gums
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003062.htm#:~:text=The%20main%20cause%20of%20bleeding,bone%20disease%20known%20as%20periodontitis.
Healthline – Gingivitis (Gum Disease) Overview
https://www.healthline.com/health/gingivitis
Colgate – Soft vs Hard Toothbrush: Which One Should You Use?
https://www.colgate.com/en-ph/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/soft-vs-hard-toothbrush
Healthline – What’s the Best Way to Floss Your Teeth?
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-floss
Healthline – What to Know About Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/bleeding-gums-pregnancy
NPS Medicinewise – Drugs and Gingival Bleeding
https://www.nps.org.au/australian-prescriber/articles/drugs-and-gingival-bleeding