Bleeding Gums: What it Means and What to do

Bleeding, in general, is often a sign that there’s something wrong with our health. Typically it’s from a cut or other injury. However, bleeding gums in Calgary, AB, could point to a serious dental condition. Our gums can start to bleed for a few different reasons. And in many cases, quick and efficient treatment is crucial to prevent worsening problems. If you notice your gums start to bleed, especially when brushing your teeth, it’s time to call your dentist for an exam. 

Causes and Treatments for Bleeding Gums in Calgary, AB

Bleeding gums aren’t always a sign of immediate concern. They can be caused by simple issues such as having a piece of food stuck between your teeth. However, they can also point to serious issues such as gum disease. Generally speaking, if you notice bleeding gums that persist for more than a day or two, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation with your dentist to see if further treatment is required. 

Excessive Force When Brushing and Flossing

Our gums are made up of soft tissue material, meaning they’re sensitive to sharp and hard pressures. Gently brushing and flossing your teeth shouldn’t cause damage to your gums. But if you’re using excessive force, especially with a hard-bristle brush, you could cause irritation to occur. If you notice your gums are bleeding after brushing or flossing, try using a softer pressure. If bleeding persists, contact your dentist. 

Food Traps

When our teeth are out of alignment, it’s easier for food particles to get stuck between them. These pieces of food can irritate our gums, just like brushing or flossing too hard. If you notice bleeding around a specific area, try gently flossing and rinsing the area with warm water. If you are unable to remove the stuck food or if the bleeding persists despite removing it, then contact your dentist for an exam. 

Gum Disease

Bleeding gums are one of the most common early signs of gum disease. If you catch gum disease early on, you may be able to treat it with simple procedures such as an antibacterial rinse. If, however, you ignore bleeding gums, then gum disease can spread and worsen. Once your gums reach the periodontitis stage of gum disease, you’ll often need more invasive treatment. This can include a deep cleaning of your gums, laser treatment, or even gum surgery. Contacting your dentist as soon as you notice bleeding is crucial to help prevent further harm from gum disease. 

If you notice your gums bleeding, it could be a sign of gum disease. At Foothills Dentistry, we offer periodontal therapy for all levels of gum disease. Of course, catching gum disease early on and treating it in the gingivitis stage is always our goal. Call us today at (587) 410-0821 to schedule a consultation and learn more about treatment options for bleeding gums.