While bleeding gums are not necessarily a reason for grave concern, they are almost always indicative of a problem with your gums, your health, or the way that you clean your teeth. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of bleeding gums. 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, characterized by damage to the lining of the gums around your teeth. Bacteria in your mouth create plaque which then attacks the sensitive top layer of the gum, exposing the tiny capillaries beneath. When you brush or chew, these capillaries can rupture, leaving a taste of blood in your mouth.

The good news is that you can treat gingivitis through a combination of help from your dentist, lifestyle changes, and improving your oral hygiene routine. Cutting down on sugar, going for regular dental cleanings, and brushing and flossing every day can all contribute to reducing bleeding gums. 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease than gingivitis. While gingivitis affects the surface of the gum and the collar around the teeth, periodontitis is an infection below the gumline. Periodontitis is dangerous because once it becomes endemic, you cannot eliminate it with brushing alone. 

What’s more, when bacteria accumulate around the root of the tooth, they create harmful byproducts that damage the surrounding enamel and bone, destroying tissue in the process. 

Periodontitis can have some nasty side effects. Infection in your gum can be excruciating and lead to visible swelling. You can also experience a foul taste in your mouth and have bad breath. 

The good news, again, however, is that modern dentistry can help. The first step is to eliminate the infection. Usually, dentists do this through a course of antibiotics. The next step is to deal with the root of the problem, most commonly poor oral hygiene, but sometimes impacted teeth. The final step is to prevent periodontitis from returning, either by removing teeth or improving brushing. 

Diabetes

Patients who have diabetes aren’t as able to fight off infections as those who do not have the disease. The same holds true in the mouth. The body’s immune defenses aren’t as good at keeping the mouth hygienic. What’s more, high blood sugar levels – a characteristic of the disease – interferes with the healing process, making it more challenging to reverse gum conditions. 

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which your body doesn’t produce enough platelets to clot the blood and prevent bleeding. Patients with the condition, therefore, can experience excessive bleeding after brushing, even if they do not have severe gum disease. 

A Lack Of Vitamin C And Scurvy

Genuine scurvy is rare in developed countries, although it can occur if you infrequently or never eat fruit and vegetables. One of the symptoms of scurvy is chronically bleeding gums. The body can no longer make the structures that it needs to contain blood in blood vessels, causing it to leach out. 

Low levels of vitamin C can also lead to swollen gums that make them more prone to bleeding. 

Schedule An Appointment With Arizona Periodontal Group Today!

If your gums are bleeding, then book your appointment with us today. We’ll take a look and determine if special treatment is required.

Your gums have an important protective role to play. Sometimes the gums can recede, which leaves the root of the tooth exposed and vulnerable. This is known as receding gums, or gingival recession, and a gum graft may be recommended to treat it.

 Here, we’re going to look at what you need to know about gum grafting.

Why Consider A Gum Graft?

The single biggest reason to think about arranging a gum grafting treatment with Dr. Trujillo is to protect your teeth against the impact of gum recession. When the root of the tooth is exposed, it can lead to sensitivity, decay, and infection. Gum grafting also strengthens and stabilizes the gum, decreases sensitivity, and can improve the appearance of your smile.

 The Gum Grafting Treatment Process

To begin with, we will administer local anesthesia to both the area where we need to remove tissue from the palate, as well as the site of the graft. Then, we carefully remove enough tissue from the palate, before grafting it to the area where the gum is receding and allow it time to heal. The graft tissue is attached using sutures, which are removed in a follow-up appointment.

 Aftercare To Consider

Given that anesthesia is used, it’s natural for your mouth to be numb for a few hours. Since you may not be able to eat comfortably following the treatment, eating beforehand may be recommended. Dr. Trujillo may also prescribe medication to manage any discomfort, antiseptic mouthwash, and antibiotics to manage the of the risk of infection that comes with any surgical treatment. We will have recommendations for changes to your eating habits to allow your mouth to heal fully.

Otherwise, some swelling and pain are to be expected, but this can be managed, and will diminish after two days. You will also be instructed to avoid brushing or flossing near either area for at least a week.

What To Expect

The success rate for gum grafting is very high, especially if you follow our recommendations. It may some time for the final results to become apparent, but it can restore a healthy and natural look to your gums and teeth. After three weeks, you will have a much better idea at what the final results will look like, but overall healing takes around six to eight weeks.

Get In Touch About Gum Grafting In Phoenix

Receding gums can be prevented by ensuring you maintain good dental hygiene habits and come in for regular cleaning and evaluation. If you notice any problems with your gums, please schedule an appointment today!