Bleeding gums while flossing or brushing might appear trivial. However, it’s usually the very first sign of incipient gum disease. It could allow a minor issue to escalate to something much worse if ignored.
At Advanced Solutions Family Dental, Dr. Carly makes it easy for patients in Oak Forest to grasp why bleeding gums occur and how timely attention maintains their smile in perfect condition.
Why Bleeding Gums Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Healthy gums don’t bleed out of the blue. If they do, it is often because of gingivitis, which is the initial stage of gum disease. Plaque that builds up along the gumline irritates soft tissues and causes them to become tender and bleed easily.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that nearly half of all U.S. adults over 30 exhibit signs of gum disease. Treating it early saves your teeth, gums, and even your overall health since untreated gum disease is linked with other ailments like diabetes and heart disease.
What Causes Early Gum Disease?
There are several reasons why bleeding gums occur:
- Plaque and Tartar: Where bacteria accumulate along the gumline, inflammation occurs.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing or flossing allows plaque to set into tartar.
- Hormonal Changes: Menopause, puberty, and pregnancy make gums sensitive.
- Health Conditions: Certain medications and diabetes compromise gum health.
If your gums are bleeding regularly, it is time to see Dr. Carly, a renowned dentist in Oak Forest.
How Dr. Carly Treats Bleeding Gums
Treatment at early stages is usually non-surgical, for example, professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar. When gum pockets deepen, scaling and root planing would be advised to remove deposits below the gumline.
For most people, maintenance with enhanced home care prevents the disease from progressing to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that results in tooth loss.
Dr. Carly emphasizes preventive care, educating patients on how to keep their gums healthy with regular visits and personalized advice.
Tips to Save Gum Health at Home
Simple daily habits can work wonders:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush.
- Floss daily to loosen food between teeth and under the gumline.
- Replace the toothbrush every three months.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks.
- Visit a dentist every six months for regular checkups.
These steps, combined with routine cleanings from the best dentist in Oak Forest, control bleeding gums.
When to Get Immediate Attention
If gums bleed continuously despite good oral health, or you have swollen, painful gums or a bad mouth smell, don’t wait. Early treatment by an Oak Forest dentist prevents more severe complications.
Bleeding gums are a warning that your mouth requires care. It’s possible to catch early gum disease in time before it impacts your smile with timely care from Dr. Carly at Advanced Solutions Family Dental.