Help! My Gums Are Bleeding

Have your gums started bleeding when you brush or floss? There could be a problem brewing. In fact, bleeding gums can indicate numerous issues, including teeth grinding, vitamin deficiencies, and hormone fluctuations. However, it’s usually a sign of an equally serious problem — periodontal (gum) disease.

Fortunately, the caring team at SmileBoutique in Mount Vernon, New York, is fully equipped to help, no matter what’s behind your bleeding gums. And you can visit the dentist without fear. Dr. Wayne Hofflich uses the most advanced procedures available, along with a gentle approach.

If you have bleeding gums, here’s what you should know.

Understanding your periodontal health

When dentists talk about your periodontal health, they’re referring to the state of the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. These areas are essential for optimal oral health because your teeth need a stable and secure foundation to function properly.

Certain factors put you at risk for gum disease. However, the most common and preventable problem is poor oral hygiene. That includes not brushing twice a day, not flossing daily, and skipping regular professional cleanings.

When you treat your gums right, it keeps your mouth strong so your teeth can do their very important work — including talking and chewing. But they play an equally important role in your appearance. Mainly, good self-care keeps your smile fresh, bright, and beautiful.

The risk of ignoring bleeding gums

At first, you may not give your gums much thought if they bleed a bit while brushing or flossing. However, gingivitis — the early stages of periodontal disease — starts with inflammation in the gum tissue around the base of your teeth. 

When caught very early, Dr. Hofflich can often address gingivitis with a thorough cleaning. But when it worsens, it often requires a combination of dental techniques, primarily scaling and root planing. 

• Scaling removes plaque from tooth surfaces and beneath the gums
• Root planing smooths the roots of your teeth so your gums have a healthy surface to reattach

However, once gum disease reaches a more severe stage, it can cause even more problems. This condition, known as periodontitis, means you have a serious infection with deep, bacteria-filled pockets between your teeth and gums. 

Without treatment, this stage causes severe damage to soft and support bone in your mouth, making tooth loss likely. But it doesn’t stop there.

Bleeding gums put your entire body at risk

Your mouth may seem like its own island. But your oral health significantly compromises your overall health and immune system. As a result, gum disease increases your chances of dangerous health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Not only can these conditions impact your quality of life, but they can also reduce your life expectancy. Dr. Hofflich has the skill and expertise you need to nip this problem in the bud, even if your condition is severe. 

Common treatments for gum disease

While treatment in the earliest stages can vary from a professional cleaning to scaling and root planing, additional treatments for gum disease might include:

• Special antibacterial mouthwashes to eliminate infection
• Time-released antiseptic chips, often used in the periodontal pockets Dr. Hofflich cleans with with root planing
• Bone and tissue grafts restore lost tissue in the mouth
• Flap surgery lifts the gum to remove tartar and then sutures it back in place

No matter what procedure we recommend, our team prepares you in advance so you know what to expect before, during, and after your treatment. 

Remember, you can often prevent gum disease by taking simple steps, like practicing good oral hygiene every day and seeing your dentist for professional cleanings. However, if you have the beginnings of gum disease or advanced periodontitis, the SmileBoutique team can provide the highest level of care to get your oral health back on track.

Do you have bleeding gums? Take care of the problem before it gets worse. Find out about your treatment options by calling SmileBoutique at 914-664-7400 to schedule a visit or booking online today.