Our gums connect our mouths to the rest of our body through blood vessels and nerves. When there’s damage or infection, you may notice your gums swelling or even bleeding. If you have bleeding gums in Arlington Heights, IL, your dentist may be able to provide treatment. What kind of treatment you need will often depend on the cause of the bleeding. Your dentist will examine your gums and discuss your oral health to help determine what procedure may be best for you.
Causes and Treatment for Bleeding Gums in Arlington Heights, IL
When your gums bleed, it could point to a number of different dental conditions or medical problems. Common causes for bleeding gums include:
- Having a piece of food stuck between your teeth
- Gum disease
- Trauma
If you notice your gums starting to bleed, the first thing you should do is rinse your mouth out with warm water and then gently brush and floss the area. If bleeding persists for more than a day or two, it’s time to call your dentist to schedule an exam. Waiting too long to address bleeding gums could turn it into a more serious dental problem.
Periodontal Treatment
If your bleeding gums are caused by gum disease, then your dentist will likely suggest periodontal treatment. Gum disease has different stages, and each stage requires a different kind of intervention. At the early stage of gingivitis, you may be able to treat gum disease with an antibacterial mouthwash or a professional cleaning.
If gum disease progresses to the periodontitis stage, then you may need more invasive treatment. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning method that dentists can utilize to help clean your gums and treat disease. However, once you reach the advanced stages of gum disease, a deep cleaning may not be enough to keep your gums healthy. In some cases, your dentist may recommend gum surgery to help protect your oral health.
Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontitis can create deep pockets in your gums where healthy tissue deteriorates. Once your gum tissue is gone, there’s no effective way for it to return. Because of this, patients with gum disease often have a higher risk of developing decay and damage, especially along the gum line. Your dentist will likely recommend a periodontal maintenance cleaning schedule. These extra cleanings between your normal hygiene visits could help you keep your oral health high and reduce the risk of further dental complications.
If you notice your gums are bleeding, AH Smiles is here to help. We offer periodontal therapy and maintenance appointments that could help remove gum disease and prevent bleeding. Call us today at (847) 230-9703 to schedule an appointment and learn more about gum disease and what treatment may be available for you.