Seeing blood in the sink on a regular basis should be alarming. Bleeding gums signal irritation, usually from a buildup of plaque and tartar along the gumline. It’s the first warning sign that gum disease has progressed to harming the soft tissues of the mouth. Ignoring the situation is not wise! Getting early treatment for bleeding gums generally prevents bigger problems later.
Should You Stop Brushing or Flossing?
When gums bleed, it’s usually a sign they need a little more attention, not less. Continue brushing, but only use a soft toothbrush with light pressure. Angle the brush toward the gums and clean each tooth individually with short strokes. It is not necessary to brush more than once after every meal, and twice a day is sufficient. Two minutes of brushing, each time, can make a difference. Bleeding gums sometimes respond to consistency and patience, but if the bleeding continues for more than a week with regular oral hygiene, the help of a dentist is required.
If flossing makes your gums bleed, don’t stop! Just slow down and be gentle. Guide the floss carefully between your teeth, wrap it around each tooth, and move it up and down rather than snapping it through. Let it slip just under the gumline without pushing down hard. And don’t rush, even when you get to those hard-to-reach back teeth. Again, bleeding caused by flossing that continues for a week or more should be investigated.
When Bleeding Gums are Serious
Bleeding gums are a symptom of something serious — progressive gum disease. When bleeding is paired with discomfort, pain, or changes in how your mouth feels, a dental exam is now very important! Here are a few signs that indicate your gums need urgent care:
- Bleeding that takes a long time to stop after brushing or flossing.
- Swelling, tenderness, or pain along the gumline.
- Gums that are red, puffy, or feel warm to the touch.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away.
- Loose teeth or gums pulling away from the teeth.
- Pain that interferes with eating or sleeping.
Don’t ignore these symptoms! Seek dental care immediately with the help of the Yuba City Dentistry Group.
The Emergency Dental Visit
The goal during an emergency dental visit is simple: find the source of the problem and provide immediate relief. Our dentist begins by examining your gums and teeth. We may take X-rays to check for damage below the surface of the teeth and gums. We ensure that areas under the gumline are carefully cleaned to remove plaque and hardened tartar that is causing the irritation and bleeding. This procedure, called root scaling and planing, often reduces swelling and discomfort quickly by removing the sources of the infection.
If your gum disease progressed to the final stage, periodontitis, your dentist may prescribe anti-bacterial medication, such as strong mouthwashes that are sold by pharmacists. We may also recommend products that help soothe and protect your gums during the recovery process. Finally, additional procedures may be needed to restore damaged gum tissue and to tighten loose gum pockets.
Don’t Wait Long with Bleeding Gums
When gums bleed, early care makes all the difference! Schedule a visit with the Yuba City Dentistry Group. We are available 24/7 to address your questions and concerns and make same-day appointments when necessary. Your gums will thank you for giving them the attention they deserve!
