How do healthy gums look like?
There are some features associated with healthy gums that help you distinguish them from unhealthy ones. Healthy gums are pink in color, usually described as “coral pink.” Healthy gums are so firm; they fit tightly against the teeth and are resistant to movement when touched, Dentist Brisbane Pure Dentistry says.
Signs of Unhealthy Gums
According to Kids dental Brisbane:
- Healthy gums do not appear red or dark; they are not sensitive or tender to touch either.
- Bleeding after brushing or flossing also indicates a very serious problem that requires urgent dental care.
- If you are experiencing unpleasant breath, you may need to see your dentist; because it may be a sign of gum disease.
- An adult should never experience tooth loss, so if you are losing your teeth without any apparent reason, you will need to see your dental clinic because it may have something to do with gum disease.
The causes of bleeding gum
According to brisbane kids dentist kids-dentist.com.au, Although “bleeding gums” is an almost common condition, it should never be neglected. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, and if left untreated, it will lead to more severe conditions.
- In some cases, using hard-bristled toothbrushes can cause sensitivity and bleeding of the gums.
- Flossing aggressively can hurt your gums and cause bleeding.
- Plaque buildup on the teeth will usually cause irritation for the gums and make them prone to bleeding. Poor oral hygiene is generally the main reason for plaque buildup on the teeth, which will create unnecessary dental complications for you.
- Pregnant women may witness bleeding gums, which can be due to hormonal changes in the body.
- Vitamin C and K deficiency can increase the risk of bleeding gums.
- Inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis, can cause gums to bleed; it is an early stage of gum disease.
- Blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, aspirin, and heparin, may sometimes be the reason for your bleeding gums.
- Your ill-fitting dentures can also cause irritation and lead to bleeding gums.
- Bleeding gums can sometimes be an early sign of some types of cancer like Leukaemia.
Whatever may be the reason, bleeding gums are not to be ignored because they can easily lead to other serious dental or medical conditions.
Contact our experienced dental professionals to discuss the nature of your case and receive immediate care.
How dangerous is gum bleeding?
Bleeding gums may be considered a common condition; however, ignoring them and leaving them untreated may result in other health complications in the future. Besides, the underlying reasons for the bleeding gums are what concern the dentists.
Bleeding gums can range from being an easily curable condition to a life-threatening complication. That is why it is highly recommended that you visit your dentists as soon as you notice any bleeding signs in your mouth.
What do dentists check when examining gums?
During a dental check-up, your dentist will have a thorough examination of your mouth and go through your medical history to determine the underlying reasons for your bleeding gums and provide you with the best medical care, Brisbane City Dentist brisbanecitydentist.com.au says.
- During a dental checkup for bleeding gums, your dentist will examine your gums to spot any signs of inflammation, swelling, or redness; signs of plaque buildup on the teeth and gums recession will also be thoroughly examined.
- Any noticeable change in your gums’ texture will be checked; if you have developed gum disease, your gums’ texture will indicate it by showing some warning signs such as getting puffy or smooth.
- They will also determine the size of the pocket around the teeth; deeper pockets indicate the existence of bacteria under the gum tissues.
- Gingival hyperplasia or overgrowth of gum tissue around the teeth is another oral condition, which your dentist will require to ensure is not the cause of your bleeding gums.
- Signs of loose teeth or some wobbling will also be checked during your dental visit.
Treatment Options for Bleeding Gums
If you finish brushing your teeth and notice that your gums are bleeding, this could be problematic. It might simply be a result of brushing your teeth too harshly, but it could also be a sign of more serious health issues, so it is important to visit your dentist just in case.
Why are my Gums Bleeding?
The best-case scenario is that you have simply brushed your teeth too intensely or that you’re wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly. The worst-case scenario is that you have gum disease, leukaemia, vitamin deficiency, or platelet disorders.
Treatment options for Bleeding Gums
There are many ways to treat bleeding gums. You might want to visit a dentist so that you can get a professional opinion on what the most effective options are.
Take Your Vitamins
Sometimes, a person’s gums will bleed due to vitamin C and vitamin K deficiencies. It’s very important to make sure you’re taking your vitamins regularly because this could remedy the issue if you are experiencing bleeding gums. Please consult with your GP before taking any supplements.
Maintain Good Oral Health
When you struggle with bleeding gums, it’s extremely important to practice good oral hygiene. You can do this by brushing your teeth two to three times per day and flossing at least once per day.
Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide
Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide will decrease gum inflammation. It will also promote gum health and stop bleeding because it’s an excellent disinfectant. Just make sure you don’t swallow it.
Use Gauze
If you suffer from bleeding gums, using gauze is an excellent option because it will help you stop the bleeding. You’ll want to hold clean, dampened gauze onto the affected area.
Apply Cold Compress
This is a helpful strategy when your gums are bleeding due to trauma or an injury. In this case, you will want to apply an ice pack to your gums several times per day. It’s important to put the compress on for twenty minutes and then give your gums a break for the same amount of time.
Use Mouthwash
Mouthwash can be helpful when you’re treating bleeding gums because it is antibacterial. It also soothes sore gums and decreases inflammation, which has quite helpful when you’re experiencing a lot of pain.
Apply Turmeric Paste
Turmeric paste is a great treatment option for bleeding gums because this ingredient is naturally anti-inflammatory. It’s important to note that this method hasn’t been scientifically proven, but there was a small-scale study performed which indicated that curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, did indeed have anti-inflammatory effects. Many people also combine turmeric with baking soda to whiten their teeth.
Use a Warm Salt Rinse
A warm salt rinse can help reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. It’s a helpful way to treat bleeding gums.
Use Right Toothbrush
Make sure that you have the right toothbrush. Electric ones are more effective, especially if you’re suffering from gum disease. You’ll also want to opt for toothbrushes that are specifically designed for sensitive teeth because medium or hard ones will be too hard on your gums.
Floss at least once Per Day
You’ll want to floss at least once per day. Ideally, you’d floss after every meal. It’s important to note that, initially, flossing might actually cause your gums to bleed. However, it will improve this condition significantly over time.
Reduce Stress
Too much stress is never good for anyone. One study has linked periodontal disease to emotional stress. Some strategies that are often helpful include yoga and meditation. You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting enough sleep and thinking positively.
Avoid Smoking
It’s certainly more easily said than done. However, smoking can be quite detrimental to your oral health. It’s best to avoid it altogether because it has been linked to gum disease.
It also contributes to a lot of health issues, including lung cancer and heart disease. This is not an easy addiction to quit, but it is possible. You might want to read Freedom from Our Addictions by Russell Brand.
Remember to be kind and patient with yourself during this difficult process. Another effective way to stop smoking is to visit a doctor who knows exactly what strategies you can implement to build healthier habits.
Try Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic method that has helped many people. You swish a specific oil around in your mouth for up to twenty minutes. Many people love this method because they say that it whitens their teeth and improves overall oral hygiene. It’s definitely an alternative method, but it might be worth a try.
Coconut oil is often used. However, most dentists don’t recommend this particular method since there isn’t any scientific evidence to support it. If you do this, make sure it’s in addition to brushing and flossing. Those are the two most important methods for improving your oral health.
Avoid Sugar and Processed Food
Processed foods can be bad for your oral health because they often stick to your teeth and gums. They break down into sugar, can cause tooth decay at the gum level. Consequently, there might be more plaque accumulation in that area which can be quite detrimental for your gums.
Eat Crunchy Vegetables
Certain vegetables such as celery and carrots can help you by keeping your teeth clean in between meals. They’re great because they can remove residue from your teeth, and they’re low in sugar and carbohydrates, which means that they won’t contribute to tooth decay.
Consume More Leafy Greens
Eating leafy greens is an excellent idea for many reasons. They are superb sources of vitamin K, which is particularly important for your oral health. Vitamin k is important in the formation of blood clots. If you are low on vitamin D eating leafy greens will likely help you feel a lot better, and, if you’re consistent, your bleeding gums will improve.
What Happens if I don’t Brush my Gums?
If you don’t brush your gums, then you may get gingivitis. This is the milder form of the disease which causes swollen, red, bleeding gums. The more severe form of gum disease is periodontitis, which can lead to teeth loosening or falling out.
Is Gingivitis Common During Pregnancy?
Gingivitis is common during the second to eighth months of pregnancy. If you are pregnant, you may want to visit your dentist for suggestions about ways to improve your oral hygiene.
Does Pregnancy Gingivitis Go away?
Most of the time pregnancy gingivitis does go away. Just make sure that you brush your teeth and floss regularly. It also wouldn’t hurt to continuously visit your dentist during this time. Be sure to check on the dental health of your new baby as well when the time comes.
What Should I do if my Gums are Bleeding During Pregnancy?
You’ll want to softly brush your teeth and gums twice per day and floss once per day. Remember to be gentle, because brushing your teeth too aggressively can lead to inflammation.
Can Pregnancy Gingivitis Harm my Baby?
If you are a pregnant woman who is suffering from gingivitis, the unfortunate truth is that it can harm your baby. There is a link between premature birth, low birth weight, and mothers with gingivitis.
What is the treatment for Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy?
It’s extremely difficult when you suffer from bleeding gums during your pregnancy. You are probably concerned both for yourself and for your child, but there are ways to remedy this condition. The most important things you can do are to visit your dentist often and take your prenatal vitamins regularly.
If you would like to use treatments at home, you can regularly rinse your mouth with salt water: Add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water. When you do this once per day, it will decrease the inflammation you are experiencing significantly.
You might also want to brush your teeth with a baking soda and water paste. This is quite helpful because it reduces plaque. When you have less plaque, you also have less inflammation. This method is especially helpful if you are experiencing morning sickness because it can help to neutralize harmful acids on your teeth.
You will want to make sure that you visit your dentist regularly, replace toothbrushes every three to four months, and book regular appointments with your local oral hygienist so that they can remove plaque and tartar build-up. Eating healthy is also a great way to maintain oral hygiene. There are many ways to follow a healthy diet, but you will want to eat plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and organic food. You will also want to limit sugar and alcohol.
It is a horrible experience to have bleeding gums, but there are many ways to remedy this condition. We are here to help, and we can provide you with the most effective treatment options.