Do your gums bleed often, and you don’t know why? Bleeding gums, also known as gingivitis, are the first sign of gum disease. Gum disease is a common issue for many patients. It happens when the soft tissues in your mouth get irritated and inflamed from bacteria buildup around the gum line.
Without treatment, this bacteria will start to eat away at your soft tissues, causing gum recession and putting you at risk for bone and tooth loss. To help our patients fight gum disease and bleeding gums, we offer a variety of preventive dental care services at our Cary, NC dental office.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky substance that forms when saliva, food, and drinks mix in your mouth. It constantly builds up! This sticky film can be colorless or pale yellow. Since it is full of bacteria, you must remove it regularly.
That’s why we brush twice a day and floss to remove particles stuck between our teeth. If you don’t, the bacteria will irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup are the main causes of gum disease and bleeding gums.
Gum Disease Treatment in Cary, NC
You have many ways to treat and prevent gum disease. The best way to prevent it from getting worse is to visit your dentist regularly. During these visits, a dental professional will check your smile for signs of gum disease and remove any plaque or tartar buildup.
Plaque and tartar are the hardened food residues left on your teeth. They are the source of harmful bacteria that can eat away at your gums. We suggest scheduling these visits at least once every six months to prevent gum disease from progressing.
If your gingivitis has already developed into gum disease by the time you visit us, Dr. Jack Zhang may offer a deep cleaning. This procedure, also known as scaling and root planing, involves scraping away tartar that has built up on the teeth and under the gum line. He will also smooth out the root surfaces to discourage future bacterial buildup. This treatment is necessary to protect your teeth from further bone loss.
We will explain the procedure and make sure you’re comfortable with local anesthesia. Regular visits and proper oral care are key to keeping your gums healthy and your smile bright. Besides cleanings, we will also teach you good brushing and flossing habits to maintain your oral health at home.
By following these steps, you can keep gum disease at bay and enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile for many years. Don’t wait until you have a problem, schedule your dental check-ups and cleanings regularly to stay ahead of gum disease.
How To Stop Your Gums From Bleeding At Home
Practice good oral hygiene to stop bleeding gums. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly. This helps remove plaque and bacteria that may be causing the bleeding. Your gums will begin to heal and become less irritated, reducing bleeding.
Other things you can do at home include:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can irritate your gums and make them bleed. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in circular motions. Don’t push down too hard, and use fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth and gums.
- Rinse with salt water. Salt has natural antibacterial properties, so a warm saltwater solution acts as a mild disinfectant. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and use it as a mouth rinse to help reduce inflammation and promote healing of your gums. The salt also reduces pain and swelling.
- Use a mouthwash with fluoride. An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth and prevent gum disease. Using mouthwash every day kills harmful bacteria and keeps surfaces smooth so plaque can’t build up.
If you keep having bleeding gums, see a dentist right away for a professional cleaning and exam. They can find the cause of your bleeding gums and provide the right treatment. If it has been over six months, schedule an appointment with our experienced dentist in Cary, NC, Dr. Jack Zhang. He will guide you on how to care for your smile and help you get back on track to better oral health.