Many people attribute bleeding gums after brushing and flossing to overexertion with too hard a toothbrush, their floss snagging on a sensitive gum, or particles of food catching on the floss, tearing the gum. They know it is distressing and unsightly but they think it is perfectly normal. It absolutely isn’t normal. Ignore bleeding gums at your peril for it could be an indicator something is seriously wrong. Even if you are scared of the dentist, The Dental Suite in Loughborough, Leicester and Nottingham will make a diagnosis and quickly and painlessly help with whatever is causing your gums to bleed. Our staff are trained in sedation dentistry and will help you overcome all your fears.
What’s Wrong?
If your gums bleed as a result of flossing or brushing your teeth, that could indicate that you are suffering from gingivitis or periodontal gum disease. People will often confuse the two conditions, but they are very different:
1# Gingivitis is an inflammation that is caused by plaque building up.
The symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss.
Or.
2# Periodontal disease is where gingivitis has progressed to the point that infection pockets have formed under the gum line.
The symptoms of periodontal disease include gums that are red or swollen, gums that bleed severely when you brush your teeth, loose feeling teeth, chewing pain, as well as a gum line that is receding.
What will cure gum disease?
Gingivitis can be easily be reversed by regular visits to the dentist for a checks-up and teeth cleaning, and through proper teeth care at home and with the hygienist. Be sure to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day and floss regularly to clean well in hard to reach places. Mouthwash used last thing at night will work all night protecting your oral health.
Periodontitis usually involves more serious treatments, such as surgery, gum grafts and further intervention.
What to do?
If you notice that your gums bleed when you brush and floss, you do need to go to the dentist straight away to ensure that you do not have periodontal disease or gingivitis. If gingivitis is the cause of the problem, you can keep it away by getting your teeth cleaned regularly. It is recommended that you get a professional cleaning twice a year.
Scared of more serious problems?
Don’t let the idea of periodontitis and more severe treatments keep you away. By avoiding the dentist you can lose your teeth. Whatever the procedure required, however small or however serious we will not let you suffer any discomfort or pain. We can administer anaesthetic without the use of needles, and we can offer sedation if treatment seems too traumatic.
If the fear of the dentist is stopping you getting your bleeding gums checked, post a comment below and we will answer your questions.
