Are Bleeding Gums a Sign of Periodontal Disease?

The condition of your teeth does not solely reflect the health of your mouth. The gums play a significant role in your overall oral health. Bleeding gums are typically caused by plaque, a bacteria-laden substance that develops on the teeth after drinking and eating, if not adequately or promptly brushed away. If left to accumulate, it hardens and becomes tartar. Once plaque and tartar build up, a person's gums become irritated and inflamed. Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are the first tell-tale signs of periodontal disease. Take simple steps to protect your teeth and gums by contacting the dental experts at Byers Station Dental in Chester Springs, PA to schedule a dental exam and see if gingivitis, or gum disease, is the culprit.

What causes bleeding or swollen gums?

Bleeding gums can be caused by brushing your teeth too hard or infrequent flossing. It can also be an indicator of the following:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis (advanced stage of gum disease)
• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Vitamin deficiency

Poor oral health care issues are generally the primary cause of bleeding gums. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, making gum tissue more prone to bleeding. The main symptoms of gingivitis are soreness in the mouth and tender, swollen gums. Poor oral hygiene or infrequent brushing can lead to plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth. The accumulation of tartar and plaque buildup near the gum line is what causes gingivitis. It can cause the gums to separate and, in severe cases, teeth to recede. Harmful bacteria can get trapped inside these pockets, which attacks the bones and gums supporting the teeth. Eventually, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and possible tooth and bone loss.

What disease causes bleeding gums?

Periodontal disease occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and becomes more advanced. It is an infection of the gums, supportive tissues, and jawbone structure surrounding the teeth that holds them into place. Severe cases of gum disease, when caught too late, may eventually lead to tooth loss. Our dental experts at Byers Station Dental routinely screen for gum disease signs during preventive dental care visits. We treat gingivitis and offer more advanced dental services to treat all stages of periodontal disease. If you have bad breath, bone loss, bleeding gums, or other signs of periodontal disease, contact our Chester Springs, PA office to schedule a periodontal evaluation immediately.

How to stop your gums from bleeding?

Proper oral hygiene is the first step to managing bleeding gums, along with regular visits to the dentist. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends routine dental cleanings and exams every six months to remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup for healthier teeth and gums. If you are experiencing tender or swollen gums, switch to a soft-bristle toothbrush and rinse daily with warm salt water to soothe symptoms. At Byers Station Dental, we provide treatment methods to treat tender, bleeding, and swollen gums. We provide preventive dental care, teeth scaling and root planing, and periodontal cleanings to help our patients avoid more extensive dental procedures like tooth extraction. To schedule a dental appointment to address your bleeding gums, contact our office in Chester Springs, PA.