Bleeding Gums

If you have been noticing frequent bleeding gums, it’s important to learn about what it could mean and when to see your dentist.

While occasional bleeding might result from brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine, there can be other causes behind the gums bleeding – especially if it is persistent.

At Oasis Dental Studio, our cosmetic and general dentists can assess your overall oral health and determine if treatment may be needed. If you’re concerned about bleeding gums, please contact our team in the Gold Coast, Brisbane or Pottsville to book a routine appointment.

Common Causes of Bleeding Gums

There are a few common reasons that could be behind bleeding gums. Some are fairly simple and easy to address with better habits, while others could point to something that could require further treatment.

• Improper Brushing or Flossing Techniques

  Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too vigorously can cause tiny injuries to the gum tissue, leading to the gums bleeding. Similarly, incorrect flossing can also harm the gums. Choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush and using gentle flossing techniques can help to protect the gums.

  If you have just started flossing after not flossing for a while, some bleeding is normal for the first few days. Your gums should adjust quickly as they get healthier, and the bleeding should stop. If it doesn’t, it’s worth speaking to one of our dentists to make sure that there aren’t any other issues.

• Poorly-Fitted Dentures, Retainers or Other Devices

  Dentures, retainers or other dental devices that don’t fit properly can irritate gum tissue, which can lead to the gums bleeding. Pressure points or any possible sharp edges on your devices can also injure the delicate gum tissue, causing inflammation and bleeding gums over time.

  Regular dental check-ups will help us ensure that your dental devices fit correctly and function sufficiently. Sometimes, even small adjustments can make a noticeable difference.

  If you wear a dental appliance and notice sore spots, bleeding, or changes in how they fits, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with us.

• Gingivitis

  Characterised by inflammation of the gums, gingivitis is one of the most common causes of bleeding gums. It’s a mild form of gum disease and primarily caused by plaque buildup on the gums due to poor oral hygiene.

  If it’s not removed by regular brushing and flossing, that plaque can irritate the gums and cause inflammation. That inflammation makes the gum tissue more likely to bleed, even from light brushing or flossing. Apart from the gums bleeding, you might also notice redness, swollen gums, a feeling of tenderness and persistent bad breath.

  Gingivitis is actually quite easy to treat, with proper dental hygiene and regular professional dental cleanings. However, it is still worth seeing your dentist to have a proper cleaning and make sure that no further issues are present.

• Periodontitis

  If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis – which is a more advanced stage of gum disease.

  This is when the inflammation spreads deeper, affecting the ligaments and bone that hold your teeth in place. The gums may start to recede, and it can then potentially lead to tooth loss.

  Bleeding gums can occur in periodontitis while eating or brushing, but it can also occur on its own, without causing irritation. The condition can also involve pus around the gums, persistent bad breath and noticing a metallic taste.

  Unfortunately, once gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, it typically isn’t completely reversible – however, it can be managed well with the right treatment and further issues can still be prevented.

  If you think you have periodontitis, it is absolutely essential to see your dentist for proper, long-term treatment and management, as well as to prevent further issues.

• General Health Causes

  Sometimes, other health factors can actually be behind bleeding gums. Nutrient deficiencies, some types of medications, hormonal changes and some systemic health conditions (such as bleeding disorders or diabetes) can be linked to the gums bleeding.

  If you have started a new medication and notice changes in your gums, it’s a good idea to let both your doctor and your dentist know. Sometimes, your dental care may be adjusted to support your gum health while you’re on certain medications.

  If you have a systemic condition and notice changes in your oral health, it’s highly important to discuss this with your dentist.

  At Oasis, we want to provide you with the right care and make sure that we have an understanding of how your general health may factor into your oral health. Please let us know if there are any factors that could require us to make some changes to your dental care.

Possible Treatment Options for Bleeding Gums

The right treatment for bleeding gums will depend on the cause. Often, early intervention and good home care are enough to treat the issue, but if the cause is something more advanced, your dentist will need to recommend a suitable treatment option to help get your gum health back on track.

• Professional cleanings

  If the bleeding is caused by plaque build-up or early gum disease (gingivitis), your dentist will usually start with a professional cleaning. A thorough, professional cleaning removes plaque and hardened tartar that typically can’t be removed at home. After a cleaning, you’ll likely be given advice on brushing technique and flossing, and possibly recommended a specific mouthwash or toothpaste.

• Changes to dental devices

  If your dental devices are poorly fitting, they will typically need to be changed or adjusted to better suit your needs. The changes will depend on the type of dental device you need.

• Scaling and root planing

  If the cause of the bleeding is related to a more advanced type of gum disease (periodontitis), the treatment may involve a deeper cleaning called scaling and root planing. This clears out bacteria beneath the gum and helps the gums reattach to the teeth. Sometimes, more than one cleaning session is needed. Since this type of gum disease is more advanced, it will typically need ongoing care to manage.

• Antibiotics or abscess drainage

  When bleeding gums is accompanied by any signs of infection or abscess, you might need antibiotics or a minor procedure to drain the abscess, clean the area and allow the gums to heal.

• Adjustments to your oral care routine

  When the bleeding is caused by something else, such as certain medications or some health conditions, your dentist may need to adjust your oral care routine. These adjustments can be made carefully after better understanding your condition, and we will typically recommend seeking support from your doctor or specialist.

How to Prevent Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are often preventable – and even when they’re not, they can usually be managed with the right dental care.

You can prevent the gums bleeding by:

• Maintaining good oral hygiene at home
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and taking care when flossing
• Seeing your dentist for regular professional cleanings
• Following a healthy diet and staying hydrated
• Avoiding smoking
• Managing any chronic health conditions with the help of your doctor or specialist