Main causes of bleeding gums

Do you ever notice that your gums are bleeding after you floss or brush your teeth? Many people see this as a normal occurrence, but the reality is that the gums should not be sensitive enough to bleed from slight pressure. If a person’s gums are bleeding, it may be a sign that they are dealing with one of these oral health issues.

  1. Inadequate Plaque Removal

    One of the most basic reasons for bleeding gums is plaque buildup along the teeth. Dental plaque starts out as a sticky, colorless deposit, but if it is not removed, it turns into a hard, yellow buildup. When plaque develops along the gum line, it can separate the gums from the teeth. Infections can build up in these areas, and then the sensitive gums tend to bleed more easily,

  2. Gum Disease

    Also known as gingivitis, gum disease is a gum inflammation caused by a bacterial infection. It happens when food or plaque gets trapped in the gums and form small pockets of infection and inflammation. If left untreated, a person can eventually get periodontitis, a more severe infection. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States and Canada, but it is also highly treatable. Proper flossing and brushing can keep gum disease away.

  3. Tooth Cavities

    The gums are close enough to the teeth that a tooth problem can also affect the surrounding gum area. A cavity is an area of infection on a tooth, so it can easily spread infection down into the gumline. The gums then begin to get inflamed as they try to fight off the infection, so even light stimuli may cause bleeding.

  4. Other Health Problems

    The gums have many blood vessels close to the surface, so they can be a good indicator of overall circulatory health. For example, if a person does not have enough platelets to clot blood, the gums are more likely to bleed. Gum bleeding is also more common among patients who have liver disease, blood clotting disorders, leukemia, anemia, or temporal arteritis.

  5. Denture Wear

    If you wear dentures to replace missing teeth, it is especially important to be vigilant with brushing your mouth and cleaning your dentures and remaining teeth. Plaque builds up on dentures just as easily as regular teeth, and this can cause gum inflammation. Dentures may also cause gum bleeding if they do not fit properly because they can scrape against the gums and cause tiny scratches and sores. People who wear their dentures without the recommended rest period at night are particularly likely to have this sort of bleeding.

  6. Flossing Difficulties

    Flossing works to remove plaque along the teeth, so if you do not floss regularly, you will get inflammation. The first time you floss in a while, the gums may begin to bleed as a response. Gums will also bleed due to trauma, so if you floss too vigorously, you may damage the sensitive tissue and make it bleed.

Bleeding gums are typically a sign that something is irritating the gumline. In many cases, being careful to maintain your oral hygiene can make the bleeding go away after a few weeks. If the problem persists, it may be a good idea to discuss your concerns with a healthcare professional.

 

Author Bio:

Annie Grace Wilson is a Public Relations Specialist for Denturehelper.com. She regularly produces content for a variety of blogs that cover topics from denture maintenance, upkeep and information.

When Do You Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Deep cleaning your teeth sounds like something you should do after you’ve missed a few visits to the dentist. It is actually a specific procedure performed by your dental hygienist to treat gum and periodontal disease.

When is a deep cleaning required?

Everyone experiences some form of plaque buildup, but a deep clean is not necessary for everyone. Deep cleanings are recommended for the following circumstances:

  • Deep Pockets:  If you have more than 4 mm between the tooth and gums.
  • Not kept up professional cleanings:  I you have not kept up a dental regime of regular professional cleaning appointments twice per year.

The differences between a deep cleaning and a regular teeth cleaning?

A regular cleaning is designed for the maintenance of healthy gums. Healthy gums have small, shallow spaces between the teeth and gums. Regular cleanings are recommended for patients who have generally good oral health and do not suffer from bone loss, bleeding gums, gum recession, or infection.

A deep cleaning is necessary when you notice your gums bleed when you floss. This means your gums are already irritated and that the pockets are probably deeper than 3 mm. If you notice these symptoms, see your dentist as you may have inflammation or gingivitis. If mild gum disease is left untreated it can lead to more severe ailments like periodontitis and other health issues.

What does a deep clean entail?

  • Scaling: Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and from the pocket area between the teeth and gums
  • Root planing: Your hygienist will use a scaling instrument to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the roots of your teeth.

What happens if you don’t get a dental deep cleaning?

If you are noticing sensitivity, bleeding gums or inflammation, it’s crucial that you find a dentist in your area to check your gums and do a thorough examination before things get worse. Your dentist will only recommend a deep cleaning if the space between your tooth and gum (called a pocket) is more than four millimeters deep. An infected tooth is not only a risk to your smile; oral infections can lead to abscesses, heart disease, or much worse.

Treatment and after care:

Once the plaque and food particles are cleaned out, your gums will begin to heal themselves and re-form the tight seal around your teeth. This takes six to eight weeks. If you are a candidate that requires a deep cleaning, find out how to maintain healthy gums after your procedure. Bone loss from periodontitis is irreversible making it easier for plaque to creep back under your gums and cause more inflammation.

If you want to learn more about periodontal disease or are trying to determine if you need root planing or scaling, please visit any of our locations to speak to our dental professionals.

13 Ways You Can Treat Gum Disease

You probably weren’t aware that most people experience gum disease at some point in their lives.  The good news is that treating mild gum disease (i.e. gingivitis) is really easy. Once treated, you can prevent re-occurrences by following a simple oral hygiene routine. If you have sore or bleeding gums and think you have gum disease, don’t panic.  There are several ways to treat bleeding, swollen, irritated gums.

How to know if you have Gum Disease?

The first sign is blood on your toothbrush or in the toothpaste you spit out after cleaning your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating. Another sign is halitosis or bad breath.

Home Treatment Options:

  1. Improve your brushing and oral care routine (brush and floss a minimum of twice daily)
  2. Remove bacteria from below the gum line
  3. Use mouthwash
  4. Continue to brush, even if your gums are sore or bleeding
  5. Watch your diet. Stay away from carbonated drinks, sugary snacks and alcohol.

Holistic Options:

  1. Oil pulling:  This method cures swollen, red gums, and even reverses gum disease. Oil pulling pulls toxins right out of your mouth and gums. Tip: Use 100 percent organic oil – sesame, olive, or coconut oil works best. 
  2. Sage leaf:  Sage contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.  Boil 50 fresh organic sage leaves in water.  Gargle the mixture several times a day like a mouthwash. You can also drink the mixture as a tea.
  3. Garlic/turmeric paste:  Garlic and turmeric are full of antibacterial properties and anti-inflammatory agents. Rub garlic cloves on irritated gums, or make a garlic and turmeric paste to use like toothpaste.  Leave the paste in your mouth for several minutes and then rinse well.
  4. Neem:  Neem is a plant that is common in India and used in a variety of healing remedies. Neem oil has several antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties and can be used in mouthwash to reduce irritation.
  5. Mustard oil:  This method has been used for hundreds of years to combat bad dental hygiene. It destroys bacteria in the mouth and heals the gums quickly with its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties.
  6. Aloe vera gel:  If your gums are red and inflamed, aloe vera is a great anti-inflammatory agent. Tip: It’s best to get the gel right from the aloe plant itself. 
  7. Eat more fruits and vegetables:  The skin on most fruits and vegetables helps clean the teeth. In addition, the antioxidants in both fruits and vegetables also prevent plaque build up in the mouth.

Professional Options:

Gum disease is a sneaky, progressive disease. If left untreated, it can turn into a more severe form of gingivitis called periodontitis.  Toxins from this buildup of bacterial plaque affect your gum tissue, as well as the bones and ligaments that support your teeth. As the infection progresses, your teeth may become loose and need to be treated surgically or removed.  If you’re in the advanced stages of gum disease (i.e. persistent bleeding gums, extreme sensitivity, loose teeth), or need advice about your oral health, book an appointment with a dentist immediately. Your dentist will discuss your options and what you can do to maintain a healthy smile.

Dental Implant Procedures: The Differences You Should Know

You have just had a tooth removed or you are about to get one removed.  Your dentist has recommended dental implant surgery. Traditional dental implants continue to be excellent choices for replacing missing teeth; however, there are many options for implants. It is important to talk to your dentist about all the options so you can make an informed choice.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the most secure, fully functional and permanent way to replace a tooth. They are mechanical devices designed to be a substitute for a missing tooth. They function as an artificial tooth root which a dental crown, bridge or denture can then be inserted.

What does dental implant surgery entail?

  1. Thorough oral examination: An important factor in ensuring the long-term success of a dental implant is the bone in which it’s placed. The dental specialist will examine your jaw to determine whether the quantity and quality of bone in the region of the implant is sufficient. The location for the implant will be examined to make sure it is far enough from neighbouring anatomical structures. Finally, the soft tissue and bone tissue will be evaluated to make sure they are pathology free.
  2. X-Rays: Your dental professional will take photos or 3D images of your jaws and teeth to determine whether there is sufficient healthy jaw bone. Any deficiencies within your mouth will be identified.
  3. Anesthetics: Having an implant placed is a surgical procedure. For that reason, a local anesthetic (and possibly also sedation or a general anesthetic) is used.
  4. Identifying the position and placing the implant: Once the bone has been accessed, the dentist will use a series of drills, each of increasing diameter, to prepare a hole into which the dental implant will be placed. At this point, you will have a gap where your tooth is missing. Crowns, bridges or dentures will then be placed in this gap.

What are the different types of dental implant surgeries?

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, there are two main types of implants:

  • Endosteal Implants: These are made from titanium and shaped like small screws. They are surgically implanted directly into the jawbone. Once the surrounding gum tissue has healed, a second surgery is needed to connect a post to the original implant. Lastly, an artificial tooth (or teeth) are mounted to the posts.
  • Subperiosteal implants:  Subperiosteal implants are placed under the gum, on or above the jawbone. They consist of a metal frame that is fitted onto the jawbone just below the gum tissue. As gums heal, the frame attaches itself to the jawbone.  The posts (which are attached to the frame) will eventually protrude through the gums.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

Wisdom Teeth Extraction and Recovery

Don’t be alarmed if your dentist recommends that you should have your wisdom teeth pulled. They only recommend wisdom teeth removal for patients who have impacted teeth. If you do have wisdom teeth that have fully grown in but are not causing any crowding or pain, the choice is absolutely yours to have them removed.

When do you need to remove your wisdom teeth?

If your wisdom teeth are impacted and/or causing crowding in your teeth and affecting your bite, your dentist will recommend that you have them removed.

What are impacted teeth?

Impacted teeth are wisdom teeth that do not fully erupt because other teeth are blocking them. They typically remain below the surface of your gum line and lie horizontally instead of standing upright because there isn’t enough room for them to grow. The problems with impacted wisdom teeth are:

  • They create a breeding ground for plaque and bacteria to accumulate which could lead to the development of cavities
  • Impacted teeth can, in some cases, collide with the roots of your molars, which is painful and leads to other more severe dental issues.

What to expect after your oral surgery?

After your wisdom teeth have been removed you will encounter minor bleeding, discomfort, swelling and bruising. You will most likely be prescribed some pain killers for pain relief which you should take exactly as directed by your dentist. If you’re taking stronger narcotic pain medication (i.e. Percocet, Tylenol 3, etc.), do not drive or operate machinery and avoid alcoholic beverages.

Aftercare:

It takes the average person three to four days to heal but, in some cases, it may take up to a week. Proper aftercare after your surgery is important to eliminate the chances of getting dry socket. After a wisdom tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the bone and nerves underneath. Dry socket occurs when the clot becomes dislodged or dissolves a couple of days after the extraction which leaves the bone and nerve exposed to air, food, fluid, and anything else that enters the mouth, making healing very painful. To eliminate the risk of dry socket, Colgate recommends:

  • Applying ice packs to the outside of your mouth intermittently for up to two days to minimize swelling, bruising or any discomfort
  • Limit your eating, drinking and talking for the first two hours following surgery as well as smoking, spitting or drinking through a straw – essentially anything that may dislodge the blood clot
  • After 12 hours, do a salt water rinse to avoid any infections
  • It’s recommended to not brush your teeth for 24 hours after the surgery and for the next week try to avoid the area where the wisdom teeth were removed as much as possible

If you notice any unusual symptoms, it is best to call your oral surgeon right away. While complications such as an infection are rare, they are possible, so it’s best to be proactive if any of your symptoms feel abnormal.

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.

How to Know You’re Ready For an Emergency Dental Appointment

Your tooth is hurting…but does that actually qualify as a dental emergency?

We know that discomfort is easy to identify, but knowing whether you need to make an appointment after office hours isn’t always as easy. Many of our patients try to simply ignore their pain, thinking it will go away on its own, or assume that they may need to visit the emergency room. Unfortunately, waiting can result in a more expensive bill, not to mention sitting in a hospital emergency room will give you hours of needless suffering.

How quickly you respond to a dental emergency can make the difference between saving a tooth or losing it. To help you, we’ve decided to share our tips on what counts as an emergency dentistry and how you should respond.

When do you know you need emergency dentistry?

Here are some common situations that qualify as emergency dental situations.

  • Severe tooth pain
  • Tooth damage
  • Tissue bleeding
  • A knocked-out tooth as a result of a facial injury or accident
  • A loose tooth or one that is out of alignment
  • A chipped, cracked, or fractured tooth (this usually means that there’s been some damage to the inside of the tooth as well)
  • Tissue injury and facial pain

As a general rule of thumb it is a good idea to consult a dental professional for pain management of if you have persistent pain. You might be suffering from one of the following conditions:

What to do in a dental emergency?

If per chance you cannot get to a dentist right away, there are certain things you can do to protect your smile as you wait for treatment.

Knocked out teeth: Avoid touching the roots and keep the tooth clean and hydrated in a saline solution or glass of milk. This will reduce the chances of you having to replace your original tooth with a false one.

Food or objects stuck between your teeth: Try to remove any unwanted particles with floss or mouthwash. To avoid injuring your soft tissues, never use a sharp object around your gums.

Cracked or damaged fillings: You will feel extreme dental pain, but in some cases, you may be able to reattach the restoration temporarily using dental adhesive and may be able to calm the pain with over the counter medications like Orajel.

Contact Us

If you would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to give us a call or contact us to book an appointment.