Why You Should See an Emergency Dentist if Your Gums Are Bleeding

If your gums are bleeding, you need to visit the emergency dentist for a dental examination. The dentist will check your oral cavity to learn if the bleeding is a result of minor irritation or a serious health issue. Most importantly, getting urgent care for gum bleeding can help prevent the situation from worsening. This article talks about why a visit to the emergency dentist is important if your gums are bleeding.

Causes of bleeding gums

Bleeding is usually the primary indication of gum disease in its early stages, known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is gum inflammation and a common condition that affects the oral cavity. Bleeding gums are usually caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky bacterial film that irritates the gum and mixes with food debris to form acids that break down the tooth enamel.

When plaque accumulates and mineralizes, it turns to tartar. The resulting inflammation causes the gum to become red, swollen and tender. Bleeding gums are also linked to bad breath, gum recession and tooth sensitivity. If untreated, the problem may worsen into periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease. Periodontitis may cause the loss of the supporting tissues of the teeth, leading to tooth loss. Other factors that may lead to bleeding gums include:

• Improper flossing
• Malocclusion
• Smoking
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Infection
• Brushing too hard
• Use of anticoagulant medications
• Vitamin C or vitamin K deficiencies
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Poor nutrition

According to the American Association of Pediatrics, three out of four people deal with some form of bleeding gums. Due to poor oral hygiene, gum disease progresses gradually and may even be symptomless. To stop the progression of the disease, a proper oral health routine is important.

Bleeding gums can also be the signal of an underlying medical issue. Diabetes is not just a risk factor for periodontal disease, but untreated gum disease can worsen diabetes. There is also an established connection between cardiovascular conditions and gum health. Gum bleeding causes inflammation that affects the whole body.

Treatment for bleeding gums

Patients experiencing bleeding gums need to visit the emergency dentist as soon as possible for treatment. The dentist will perform full mouth and gum cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from the gums and teeth. The dentist may also provide antibiotics and perform scaling and root planing to restore gum health.

Bleeding gums can easily be prevented by visiting the dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene at home. This should include brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing.

Final note

If you notice your gums are bleeding, either due to gingivitis or oral trauma, contact an emergency dentist immediately for a consultation. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums and recommend suitable treatment to stop the bleeding and treat gum disease. Also, ensure the dentist checks your oral cavity for signs of gum disease during routine checkups, as this will ensure prompt treatment and preventive measures.

Request an appointment here: https://smilesdental.com or call Smiles Dental Care at (650) 563-1180 for an appointment in our Mountain View office.

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