When you brush your teeth, it’s not unusual to see a little blood in the sink when you spit; however, if it’s something that happens to you every day, or there is an excessive amount of blood, it could be an indicator of some serious oral health issues. If you have a problem with bleeding gums, the team at American Dental has a few ideas about what could be causing it, and what you can do to resolve the issue.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If your oral health routine is lacking, plaque and tartar can build up on your teeth and around the gumline. This causes irritation and inflammation of the gum tissue and can also cause the gums to recede. When the gums are irritated or a portion of your teeth’ roots are exposed, it can cause persistent bleeding.
If you notice excessive bleeding in your mouth, your first step should be to ensure you are following a robust oral health routine. This includes gently brushing twice daily, flossing at least once daily, and using an American Dental Association-approved mouthwash. You may see increased bleeding as you beef up your oral health routine, but it should lessen within two weeks. If it doesn’t, see your dentist as soon as possible.
Gingivitis or Periodontitis
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is characterized by swollen, painful, bleeding gums. As gum disease progresses, it can become a more severe form called periodontitis. Left unchecked can lead to tooth loss, infections, and other serious medical conditions.
Once again, paying more attention to your oral health routine can help to alleviate gingivitis. The earlier you start, the more likely it is you will be able to reverse the symptoms of gingivitis before you need medical intervention. In any case, seeing your dentist ASAP is a good idea. They will be able to tell you if you have gingivitis or periodontitis and suggest a treatment plan that can help you.
Diabetes
Because diabetes reduces blood flow – including to the teeth and gums – gum disease is common among those living with it. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes, bleeding gums can be an early sign that your blood sugar levels are not healthy. Speak to your dentist about your bleeding gums, and get your blood sugar tested by a doctor. It can take some time, but once you get your blood sugar under control and adopt a strong oral health routine, it should alleviate your bleeding gums as well.
Vitamin Deficiencies
A lack of Vitamin K – which helps the blood clot – or Vitamin C can cause bleeding gums. You may recognize severe Vitamin C deficiency by its more common name: scurvy. These conditions are well known to cause bleeding gums, so taking a multivitamin or changing your diet to include more fruits and vegetables could be enough to solve the problem. Regardless, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice whenever you have persistent bleeding gums.
Affordable Dental Services in River West Chicago
If you live in the Chicago area, American Dental has eight different locations to serve you! Don’t ignore your bleeding gums; schedule an appointment at one of our clinics if you need an affordable dentist in River West Chicago or anywhere else in the area!