Are your gums bleeding regularly? Do they feel swollen? Gum disease is one of the most common dental concerns amongst patients. Without treatment, gum disease can cause issues that may compromise the function and health of your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure.
Common signs that you might be developing gum disease are gums that bleed, appear red and swollen, or are sensitive. If you are experiencing these, you should address it as soon as possible. Gum disease is progressive! If you do not seek treatment from a dentist, it will slowly impact the health and function of your entire oral system. This includes your teeth, the underlying bone structure, and your overall health.
FACT: Gum disease has proven to be linked to an increased risk of the development of serious health problems. This includes cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and strokes.
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy encourage patients to take a proactive approach when dealing with gum disease. A good oral hygiene routine and regular health exams can help control the spread of disease causing bacteria. Patients should visit our Silver Spring dentist office at least twice a year for oral health screening and teeth cleaning.
FACT: According to the Center for Disease Control over half of the American adults have gum disease.
If you experience bleeding gums often, you should visit the dentist for a gum disease screening. Often referred to as the “silent disease”, some patients may go a lifetime without knowing they have a bacterial infection in their oral cavity.
What’s Causing your Gums to Bleed?
There are many factors that lead to bleeding gums. Some are easily preventable and treatable, while others require medical help. The following are just some of the signs:
- Dehydrated gums
- Lack of a daily tooth brushing routine
- Not using mouthwash regularly
- A symptom of a medication you are taking
- Not flossing enough
- An unhealthy diet or too many sugary foods
- Brushing your teeth too hard
Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy offer personalized, experienced bleeding gums treatment with periodontal therapy for all stages of gum disease. We can work with you to restore the health of your gums in a timely manner. Treatment options can range from the use of an antibacterial rinse to oral surgery. It will depend on the condition of your gums and any damage that may have occurred.
What Causes Gum Disease?
There are many things that can cause the development and spread of gum disease. Poor oral health, high rates of tooth decay, and avoiding preventive dental care exams are only a few contributing factors to the development of periodontal disease.
- Genetics: Genetics may play a role in developing gum disease. Some people are simply more prone to developing a bacterial infection. There are other factors that may increase your chance of developing periodontal disease. If any of these risk factors apply to you, be sure to let Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy know.
- Changes In Hormones: Many women will develop gum disease during pregnancy. Large shifts in hormones can increase your risk of developing the disease. Being proactive about your oral health can help keep gingivitis in check during pregnancy. Woman with advanced gum disease have been shown to have babies with lower birth rates.
- Smoking Or Any Tobacco Product: Smoking and tobacco use can negatively impact your oral and overall health. Any type of tobacco use can lead to the development of gum disease.
- Compromised Immune System: Stress, poor nutrition, or chronic illness such as diabetes can lower your immune system’s ability to fight off the bacteria that cause gum disease. Patients with compromised immune systems are more prone to developing gum disease.
- Medication: Certain types of medications can make your mouth more vulnerable to plaque and bacteria. Be sure to let Dr. Dechter or Dr. Moy know if you are taking any medication.
Why Treat Bleeding Gums?
The gums are the foundation of your oral structure and support healthy, stable teeth. They also play an important role in the maintenance of your overall health and wellness. Gums serve as a barrier between harmful bacteria present in the mouth and the bloodstream. If bacteria gets into your bloodstream, it can circulate throughout your body and lead to systemic inflammation.
The Oral-Body Connection
The health of the gums has been proven to have an impact on overall health. Also, the inverse relationship can also be true if you suffer from certain medical conditions. Poor oral health can lead to an increased risk for cardiovascular and systemic disease. If you do not seek treatment from a dentist, harmful bacteria have an effect on the body and the immune system, causing internal inflammation.
Maintaining healthy gums will not only keep your smile as stable as possible but also support your overall physical wellness. For patients with medical conditions that can impact periodontal health, we offer personal care and advice to help them avoid gum disease. Keeping your gums healthy will also allow for better disease management, lessen side effects, and enabling you to enjoy the best possible quality of life.
Preventing Gum Disease
One of the most important things you can do to prevent gum disease is to visit our Silver Spring dental office twice a year. Dr. Dechter and Dr. Moy may suggest that some patients visit them more often. Routine dental care is the foundation of lifelong oral health and allows our team to spot the signs of developing oral concerns early. This is when conservative treatments are more successful, and lets us avoid more invasive treatments.
We want to monitor the health of your gum tissue and the progress of gum disease treatments. This way we can offer better at home oral hygiene tips. For patients with chronic gum disease due to genetics or other factors, we may suggest more frequent visits for thorough cleanings and exams.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Should I go to the dentist if my gums are bleeding often?
If your gums are bleeding often, this can be a sign of a more serious issue. If you are experiencing frequent bleeding gums, go to see your dentist. They will be able to address what is causing your gums to bleed and help treat it.
How does salt water rinse heal gum infection?
A saltwater rinse draws infection out of your bleeding gums. Warm salt water soothes the gums and helps them heal by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria. The best way to make a saltwater solution is to combine half a teaspoon of salt into a warm glass of water.
Salt water rinses have a mild antibacterial effect. The salt water also helps to reduce inflammation by drawing out excess fluid and reducing swelling in the gums. Additionally, salt water rinses can promote healing by increasing blood flow to the affected area. However, salt water rinses are more beneficial for mild gum infections, rather than severe cases of gum disease.
How can I strengthen my gums and teeth naturally?
In order to strengthen your gums, you must increase your oral care routine. Choosing a good toothpaste and mouthwash with fluoride is a good way to care for your gums. Smoking will damage the gums. Quitting is a good way to rebuild and strengthen your gums.
Can stress cause gum bleeding?
Stress is one of the leading factor to gum bleeding. Stress weakens patients’ immune systems, lowering the body’s ability to fight infection. This will make a patient’s gums more prone to bleeding.
Can dehydration cause bleeding gums?
Dehydration may cause gums to weaken and bleed upon contact. Dehydration increases a patient’s risk of developing cavities and infection. Drinking water before and after eating is the best way to rehydrate and wash any leftover food or bacteria out of your mouth.
Rehydrating also increases your saliva production. Saliva helps to lubricate and cleanse your mouth. It removes food particles and bacteria that can cause plaque buildup and lead to gum disease. If dehydration persists, it can cause dry mouth, irritate your gums and make them more susceptible to bleeding.
Schedule a gum disease screening today, and visit Dechter & Moy Dentistry in Silver Spring! To schedule a dental exam and gum disease screening appointment, call (301) 508-9755 or request an appointment online.