Going in the dentist’s chair can often feel like you’re entering a horror film. Seeing sharp objects laid neatly beside you, ready to poke and prod your gums. After some work, the dentist tells you to rinse your mouth and of course, there is blood. It’s normal right?
Well – Yes and no. The tools in question you’re thinking of are used to help measure gum depth and they reveal a lot to your dentist about your gum health.
Gum health is vital for safeguarding your smile. When your gums bleed, this could be a sign of a serious problem and should be reviewed by you and your dentist to ensure your health.
What Causes Gum Bleeding?
Bleeding gums are very common but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. They’re usually a sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Most people will experience some degree of periodontal disease in their lives.
Periodontal disease is characterized when your gums have become inflamed or infected because of plaque and tartar buildup along and below the gum lines. This condition can become very serious if left untreated and can eventually lead to receding gums, tooth loss, and even heart conditions.
Causes That Aren’t Periodontal Conditions
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is a condition that hinders the body’s ability to form blood clots. Rather than a scab or plug forming after an injury, wounds continue to bleed. Thrombocytopenia can be a side effect of several conditions, including vitamin deficiency and pregnancy. It also tends to cause bleeding and bruising in all parts of the body, not just the gums.
Leukemia
Because leukemia is a cancer of the blood cells, it might cause your gums to bleed. Leukemia has several other common symptoms, such as bone pain, excessive sweating, fever, and unintentional weight loss. If you notice these symptoms in conjunction with bleeding gums, contact a doctor immediately.
Tobacco Use
Smoking almost always increases the frequency of bleeding gums. Cigarette chemicals are known to weaken the gums while simultaneously hindering the mouth’s ability to heal itself.
What Should I Do If My Gums Bleed Regularly?
The best treatment for frequent bleeding gums is a visit to your dentist for a thorough check-up and cleaning, followed by religiously brushing your teeth and flossing. With prompt and thorough treatment, the condition if caught early can normally be corrected.
Dentists often perform a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, to remove all plaque and tartar from the roots and tooth surfaces. There are also more advanced solutions, such as laser dentistry to remove plaque and infected tissue with precision.
Holistic life changes can also be considered when treating bleeding gums. This can include quitting smoking, reducing daily stressors, stop sharing utensils or straws, and even consider changing medications that may be affecting your oral health.
Help Fix My Bleeding Gums
If you frequently experience bleeding gums don’t wait to book an appointment with Dawson Dental Hanover. Our specialists can help uncover the cause of your bleeding gums and offer support in getting your oral health care back on track.