Are Bleeding Gums Serious?
Bleeding gums can be a real pain; typically accompanied by swelling and tenderness, they can cause discomfort, especially when it comes time to brush and floss. While bleeding gums are not always necessarily cause for immediate concern – they are composed of soft tissue and are not immune from minor injuries and irritations here and there – they can point to a larger problem if bleeding persists more than a day or two. If it is day three and you are still seeing pink in the sink, it’s time to give your dentist and call and schedule a check-up.
Why Do Gums Bleed?
Gums can become irritated and even bleed for several reasons. Even a minor injury to the mouth can cause swelling and irritation; overzealous brushing or flossing can cause a micro-tear that may bleed at the moment of laceration; a small cut from a food that was consumed can have a similar effect. These causes of bleeding gums are no real cause for concern: the mouth is capable of healing itself very quickly of minor injuries like these, and more likely than not, the gums will be healed up in no time at all.
When gums continue to bleed during regular brushing and flossing, though, it is time to take not. This is because bleeding gums are one of the classic warning signs of the first stage of gum disease called gingivitis. This is an infection of the gums that begins when dental detritus on the teeth begins to spread into the gums, where it then multiplies. While gingivitis is an easily treated, reversible condition, the other stages of gum disease are not. For this reason, it is important to take bleeding gums seriously if the issue persists for longer than a couple of days. Quick treatment could fend off a much bigger problem – one that lasts a lifetime.
Other Signs of Gum Disease
The beginnings of gum disease often take place without any signs or symptoms. As bacteria begin entering the gums from the plaque and tartar built up on the teeth, it is common to feel nothing at all. As the bacteria multiplies, however, and red blood cells begin to accumulate in the area to fight off the infection, gum tissues may become red, puffy, and sore; bleeding might also occur during routine brushing and flossing. Because these symptoms do not always start immediately at the outset of gum disease, it is important to pay attention to them when they do.
Other signs of gum disease can (but do not always) include bad breath, an unpleasant taste in one’s mouth and, in some cases, fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your dentist right away and note the duration of each symptom.
Treating Gum Disease in the Dentist’s Office
Luckily, treating gum disease at the dentist’s office is usually quite simple. In fact, while your dentist will inspect and evaluate, it is the dental hygienist who will perform the most important treatment – a thorough cleaning of your teeth. Typically, removing the offending plaque and tartar from your teeth is all that is required to send gingivitis packing. So instead of waiting and letting it progress, make the call today. Your oral health is worth it!