Bleeding gums is often an early sign of gum disease, evidence that the gum tissue has become infected and irritated by harmful bacteria. Left untreated, gum disease will continue to advance and can cause permanent damage to the teeth and gums. Gum disease affects 75% of the adult population and remains the leading cause of tooth loss.
Arlington Heights dentist Dr. Brent Engelberg provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for gum disease to restore your oral health. Maintaining healthy gums is an important part of preventive dental care at Arlington Heights Smiles and our experienced dentists and staff monitor the gum health of their patients as part of routine dental exams.
Signs of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease has two stages, but most patients are not aware of its presence until the second stage when complex dental health concerns begin to surface. Understanding the common signs of gum disease can play an important role in early detection and effective treatment, reducing the need for extensive dentistry to repair damaged teeth and gums.
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen gums
- Changes in the fit of dental appliances
- Persistent bad breath
- Sensitive gums
- Shifting teeth
Treatment For Bleeding Gums in Arlington Heights
Routine dental care provides the opportunity to spot gum disease in the early stages and provide conservative, effective treatment. Treatment options can include:
- Dental cleanings: for very mild gingivitis, a thorough dental cleaning may be effective. In some cases, Dr. Engelberg may recommend an additional annual dental cleaning for patients with recurring gum disease.
- Scaling and root planing: this intensive cleaning will remove the plaque built up along the gum line and in pockets of the gums to allow the affected areas to heal.
- Gum surgery: in more advanced cases of gum disease, known as periodontitis, Dr. Engelberg may recommend soft tissue surgery to remove diseased tissue and restore dental health. If necessary, they will coordinate care with a local periodontist for the best result.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It’s caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth and gums. When plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which is much harder to remove. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health problems if left untreated.
The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque forms on your teeth. Plaque contains harmful bacteria that can irritate your gums, making them red, swollen, and bleed easily. This is the early stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and can often be reversed with good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups.
If gingivitis is not treated, it can progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis happens when the bacteria in plaque spread below the gumline. This can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that collect more bacteria. Over time, this can lead to the destruction of the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place.
Several factors can increase the risk of gum disease, such as smoking or chewing tobacco. Tobacco use weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections, including gum disease. People with diabetes are also at higher risk because high blood sugar can make gum tissue more vulnerable to infections. Hormonal changes, such as those that happen during pregnancy or menopause, can also make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation.
Poor nutrition is another important factor that can cause gum disease. A diet high in sugar and starch can contribute to plaque buildup, while a lack of essential nutrients, like vitamin C, can weaken the gums and make them more susceptible to infections. Certain medications can also affect your gums by reducing saliva flow, which helps protect against bacteria.
Other health conditions, such as certain viral or fungal infections, can increase the risk of gum disease. Stress is another factor that can make it harder for your body to fight infections, including gum disease. Some genetic conditions can make you more likely to develop gum disease, even with good oral hygiene.
The Stages of Gum Disease
There are four different stages of gum disease. Bleeding gums are one of the most prominent symptoms of gum disease. If you notice your gums bleeding regularly, immediately bring it to our attention.
Gingivitis
This is the first stage of gum disease and the only one that’s reversible. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth, bacteria, and debris build up in your mouth. They form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque. When you continue to not properly care for your oral health, plaque hardens and becomes a stronger layer called tartar. This buildup at the gum line irritates the gum tissue, causing inflammation.
Many adults in the United States have gingivitis and may not even realize it. The symptoms for it aren’t particularly painful. The most noticeable one is usually bleeding gums, particularly if it’s happening regularly. Diligent oral healthcare can usually reverse the condition at this stage. We may have you come in for extra cleanings or prescribe you an antibacterial rinse to ensure the condition is handled.
Mild Periodontal Disease
At this stage, the condition can no longer be reversed. The bacteria become more aggressive and start to attack the jawbone, contributing to bone loss. We use scaling and root planing to manage the condition. You develop gum pockets between the tissue and bone that fill with debris and bacteria. We clean out those gum pockets and smooth down any rough tooth roots so that the gum tissue can reattach to the bone properly.
Moderate Periodontal Disease
The bacteria continue to get more aggressive in this stage. Not only are they attacking your bone, but they’re getting into your bloodstream as well. Your blood can carry the infection and inflammation around to other parts of your body. Gum disease doesn’t just impact your mouth. Scaling and root planing are used at this stage as well.
Severe Periodontal Disease
At this stage, the infection has completely taken over. Your gums are swollen and ooze pus. You experience severe bad breath, and it’s painful to chew or bite your food. Because their foundation is eating away, your teeth start to loosen and are at risk of falling out. Periodontal surgery or laser gum treatment are the only options to take care of it at this stage.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Bleeding gums can lead to serious issues with your oral health. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What can be the cause of bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums can be caused by a variety of health issues including plaque buildup, heart disease, diabetes, brushing too hard, and gingivitis. It can also signify a vitamin deficiency. This is also a sign of a vitamin C and vitamin K deficiency. Another cause of bleeding gums in women may be pregnancy, or hormonal changes.
Can a nutrient deficiency be the cause of bleeding gums?
A vitamin deficiency can be the cause of your issue with bleeding or sensitive gums. Having low levels of vitamin C is the main vitamin that contributes to this. Vitamin K deficiency also contributes to gums bleeding. Taking external supplemental vitamins, or eating foods high in vitamins may help if you are experiencing bleeding gums.
What does it mean if my gums are bleeding often?
Bleeding gums are often a direct result of built up plaque in the gums. Plaque has tons of germs and unhealthy bacteria that attack the healthy soft tissue that is in the gums. When gums have plaque in them, they are being attacked and become red and inflamed which may cause them to bleed. Bleeding is common when brushing and flossing, but if it is excessive ask your dentist for a gum evaluation.
Is it okay for my gums to bleed while flossing?
No, if your gums bleed while you are flossing then you are not properly caring for your oral health. Bleeding gums while flossing or brushing is caused by built up plaque around the gums and poor care for your teeth and gums. If your gums are bleeding, it means that they are irritated and attempting to defend themselves from outside germs.
How long does it take to heal bleeding gums?
If you have gingivitis and your gums bleed when you brush, your gums should stop bleeding within a week. However, you must floss before brushing and brush for two minutes twice a day. If you have additional symptoms, including gum recession, chronic gum pain, or gum sensitive, you may have gum disease. It will take longer to address bleeding gums after gum disease treatment.
Can antibiotics help bleeding gums?
We may recommend antibiotics if you have bleeding gums. Dentists typically place antibiotics into gum pockets after cleaning. However, you also need to improve your oral hygiene routine and visit the dentist for care to treat your bleeding gums.
Schedule an Appointment
If you’re noticing that your gums are bleeding regularly, contact our office to be seen. Call our office or schedule an appointment online.