Proper gum care is the foundation of good oral hygiene and the prevention of dental health problems. Still, some people tend to concentrate on caring for their teeth and neglect their gums. This behavior can lead to an infection, which may trigger gum bleeding, sensitivity, and soreness. Lovett Dental Sharpstown provides oral healthcare services such as dental exams and consultations to help patients learn how to prevent bleeding gums.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
A mild form of gum disease, known as gingivitis, is the leading cause of bleeding gums. This condition occurs when food particles build up along the gum line and form plaque. Failure to get rid of plaque encourages the breeding of harmful bacteria and irritates the gum. This infection also increases sensitivity, causing gums to bleed when eating or brushing and flossing teeth.
Apart from that, blood-thinning medication such as heparin and aspirin are a significant cause of bleeding gums. While these drugs help prevent some conditions, they reduce platelet levels in the blood, increasing bleeding risk. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush and excess pressure when brushing can also cause a recession and expose sensitive parts of the gum.
Another cause of bleeding gum is a misaligned bite, whereby one applies too much pressure to some gum parts. Stress also weakens the immune system and triggers the inflammation of blood vessels in the gum. These effects expose the gum tissue to the risk of infection and slow down the healing process. Other causes of bleeding gums include smoking tobacco and consuming highly acidic foods or carbonated drinks.
How to Prevent Bleeding Gums
Learning how to prevent bleeding gums can help evade adverse health problems like sepsis. One way to protect the gum against infection is to brush twice daily using a soft toothbrush. It is also crucial to floss around the teeth and gum line to remove food particles in regions a toothbrush does not reach.
Regular dental work such as professional teeth cleaning and dental bonding can prevent the accumulation of plaque. During an appointment, a patient should inform the dentist if they use any prescription drugs. This information allows the expert to assess the drug’s impact on oral health and develop preventive measures. They can also advise a patient on oral hygiene measures to protect the gum from infection and bleeding.
Eating a healthy diet can improve oral health and prevent conditions like tooth decay and bleeding gums. An ideal diet should contain fruits and vegetables to provide the body with essential nutrients. Besides, it is vital to avoid sugary and less nutritional foods like refined bread, candy, and carbonated drinks. Other ways to prevent bleeding gums include:
- Reducing or quitting smoking
- Refraining from sharing objects that come into contact with gums
- Avoiding stress and anxiety
- Obtaining treatment for eating disorders
- Undergoing corrective dental procedures
Treatment for Bleeding Gums
It is advisable to visit a dentist if you notice that your gums are bleeding for professional diagnosis and treatment. During the session, the dentist will clean and floss to remove plaque around the teeth and gum pockets. The next step involves placing small antibiotic capsules in the pockets to kill harmful bacteria. In some cases, they may use laser therapy to remove the infected tissue and stimulate cells in the gum’s outer layer. They may also recommend various measures and procedures to protect the gums from damage and infection, including:
- Fitting braces to correct a misaligned bite
- Oral surgery
- Wearing a mouthguard when sleeping
- Taking vitamin supplements
- Fluoride treatments
Treatment and Prevention of Bleeding Gums at Lovett Dental Sharpstown
Getting regular dental work at Lovett Dental Sharpstown can help you avert and cure various oral health problems. Our dentists will conduct multiple tests to determine the cause of an infection and advise on preventing bleeding gums. We also offer preventative dentistry procedures like dental exams and oral cancer screening to improve your well-being. Contact Lovett Dental Sharpstown at 281-975-5560 now to schedule an appointment.
