Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

If your gums are bleeding, visit our Coral Gables, FL, dentist office to have your teeth examined. At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we can examine you and determine whether the bleeding is due to simple irritation or if there is a greater health concern. You can schedule an appointment with our Coral Gables, FL dental office by calling (305) 614-2438. In the meantime, here is what you need to know about your gums.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Call Gables Exceptional Dentistry if any of these signs persist for longer than a week:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Swollen gums
  • Red or irritated gums
  • Teeth appear longer

It is always best to call Gables Exceptional Dentistry rather than attempt to manage your symptoms on your own. Self-treating can lead to additional or worsening symptoms because you may not be addressing the root cause of the problem. You can schedule an appointment with our office by calling (305) 614-2438.

Causes of Gum Disease

  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Plaque and tartar buildup underneath the gum tissue
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Pregnancy
  • Certain medications

How to Manage and Treat Gum Disease

There are several ways to prevent gum disease and the symptoms that arise from it. If you have already experienced bleeding or swollen gums, following these steps will still help you. However, it is best to visit Gables Exceptional Dentistry for an examination so we can make a customized treatment recommendation. In the meantime, you can manage your symptoms with these simple steps:

  • Keep brushing and flossing every day as recommended
    Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and, when you do, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. As you brush your teeth, make sure you are brushing food away from your gums and toward the center of your mouth to prevent plaque buildup at the gum line. You should floss your teeth at least once a day, and be sure to go all the way down along the sides of your teeth.
  • Use an antiseptic mouthwash
    An antiseptic mouthwash kills the harmful bacteria in your mouth that your toothbrush and dental floss missed. You may notice that your gums feel instantly better after using mouthwash.
  • Have your teeth cleaned twice a year
    At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we encourage you to visit our dental office twice a year so we can clean your teeth, removing plaque and tartar left behind from daily brushing. Getting twice-yearly dental checkups is your best defense against gum disease, even some of the subtle symptoms like bleeding and swelling.
  • Stop smoking
    More than bad for your lungs, using tobacco products is also bad for your oral health. Using any form of tobacco can lead to oral cancer and increases your risk of gum disease.
  • Schedule a deep cleaning
    If you already have gum disease, we may recommend you have a deep cleaning or root planing and scaling procedure at Gables Exceptional Dentistry. During a deep cleaning, Dr. Mirtha Amador removes tartar and plaque buildup from underneath the gum tissue. We usually complete the treatment in two to four appointments, and it works incredibly well for removing the cause of the problem.

Q&A

Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

Gum tissue is sensitive, and if you are using a hard toothbrush or brushing too aggressively, you can scratch and irritate it. We recommend switching to an electric or battery-operated toothbrush — always using a brush head with soft bristles — because you can get an excellent clean without having to apply a lot of pressure.

Why do my gums bleed when I floss?

If you have not flossed in a long time, your gums may bleed when you start back up because your gums may be sensitive and irritated from plaque buildup. This is perfectly normal. After flossing every day for a short time, your gums should no longer bleed. In the process, you will be removing the plaque from between your gums and your teeth and improving your gum health. At Gables Exceptional Dentistry, we can show you how to floss your teeth properly to ensure you are getting a really good clean. Call (305) 614-2438 if your gums continue to bleed after a week of flossing daily.

Why are my gums swollen?

If your gums have started to swell, there are two possible causes. The first is that you have irritated or accidentally scratched your gums with something sharp or abrasive. The second, and most likely cause, is gum disease. Gum disease, or gingivitis, typically makes your gums swell and become red and irritated — all warning signs that should prompt you to schedule an appointment with our dental office. A dental cleaning may be all you need to treat the condition so your gums can return to normal. Otherwise, the symptoms could get progressively worse.

Why are my gums sensitive when I eat or brush my teeth?

You could have gum disease. Even in the early stages, gum disease can make your gums sensitive and irritated. Otherwise, you may have eaten something acidic or abrasive that is making your gums temporarily sensitive.

If you have further questions about your gums, call (305) 614-2438 and schedule an appointment with our dental office. We will be happy to answer your questions, examine you, and recommend treatment to improve your oral health.

Periodontic Terminology

Calculus

Also known as tartar, it is the hardened dental plaque that forms on teeth due to a lack of proper oral hygiene.

Gingival Flap Surgery

A procedure in which a periodontist separates the gums from the teeth temporarily to reach the tooth root and nearby bone.

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases

A disease involving the necrosis (death) of gingival tissues and lesions forming in the mouth.

Periapical Abscess

An abscess that forms from inflammation, containing pus in the tissue surrounding the tooth.

Periodontal Ligament

A tissue that connects the tooth to the bone.

Periodontitis

A severe gum infection that results from poor oral hygiene, damaging soft tissue and destroying the bones that support the teeth.

Periodontium

The tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth, gums, periodontal ligament, and bone.

Root Scaling and Planing

A non-surgical procedure that involves removing plaque and calculus from the pockets around the tooth root before smoothing the root surfaces to help everything heal.