Many believe that bleeding gums are just a normal part of the flossing process, which actually causes a lot of people to avoid it altogether. While this symptom might seem somewhat innocuous, it’s often a sign of a serious dental problem called periodontal disease. What starts as minor bleeding can easily lead to tooth loss if ignored! In honor of Gum Disease Awareness Month, here’s how you can stop the bleeding and make sure periodontal disease doesn’t impact your smile.
Your Gums Might Be Bleeding Because…
There are two main reasons why your gums may be bleeding while flossing. One, you might be flossing with too much force, or two, you may have periodontal disease. Try flossing with a lighter touch for a few days and see if this helps. If the bleeding continues, then periodontal disease is likely the culprit. This causes inflammation in the gums, increasing blood flow to the area and making them easier to damage.
Other Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
Whenever you don’t consistently brush and floss your teeth, plaque builds up on them. Left alone for too long, this can lead to cavities. But, plaque can also harm your gums, exposing them to damaging bacteria, and this is what is called periodontal disease. In addition to bleeding gums, some other signs to look out for include:
- Red, swollen, or puffy gums
- Sensitive gums
- Chronic bad breath that doesn’t go away
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth
Periodontal disease actually attacks the gums as well as the bone that supports the teeth, so if it isn’t treated, teeth will eventually start to fall out!
How to Handle Periodontal Disease
Fortunately, periodontal disease is easily treatable, and all you really have to do is contact your dentist. They and their team can perform what is called a deep cleaning, which specifically removes the built up plaque and tartar from below the gum line. They can then apply antibiotics to eliminate any other leftover bacteria. A lot of practices can provide laser gum therapy to treat more serious cases as well, which is very fast, precise, and practically painless.
So, if a little blood has become a regular part of your oral hygiene routine, don’t just ignore it! Acting quickly can save you a lot of headaches and pain down the line. And since periodontal disease has been shown to be a risk factor for other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, you’ll be doing your entire body a favor by taking care of your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Adam Cohlmia is a general, restorative, and cosmetic dentist who practices at El Reno Family Dentistry. He and his team are ready to treat your entire smile, including your gums at the earliest sign of infection. If you or a loved one might have periodontal disease, he’s eager to help using a wide variety of treatments proven to make it disappear. To learn more or schedule an appointment, click here.