Bleeding gums are one of the many symptoms of gum disease. It is usually a sign that your gums have become inflamed or infected, which may cause your gums to be swollen and tender. Bleeding gums is a symptom that should be addressed as soon as possible. Dr. Richard Goldin provides gum surgery in Manassas, VA and can answer your questions on how to stop bleeding gums.
To help with bleeding gums during brushing, try switching from a manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush. Also make sure that you are using a brush that has soft, nylon bristles. Taking these two steps can help prevent unnecessary damage to the tissue and tooth structure. If your brushing is overaggressive, making these simple changes may help to resolve the issue.
Be gentle while flossing. Take your time to make sure that you are sliding the floss up and down gently but thoroughly between your teeth to remove plaque. Some patients do not floss thoroughly enough which can leave plaque behind that can irritate the gum tissue, causing bleeding. It is important to continue with a proper flossing and brushing routine even if your gums are tender and bleeding.
Bacteria in your mouth from poor dental hygiene can also be a cause of bleeding gums. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums, leading them to bleed easily. Bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene is an early sign of periodontal or gum disease. Your gums may bleed more frequently as the periodontal disease progresses into later stages. It is important to have periodontal disease treated as early as possible to prevent further destruction of the gum and bone structures that support the teeth.
If you are experiencing bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with Dr. Goldin, a periodontist that provides gum surgery in Manassas, VA. Dr. Goldin can determine if your gums are bleeding due to gum disease and recommend a treatment plan to restore your oral health.