Do you notice pink or red in the sink after brushing or flossing your teeth? Bleeding gums may seem like a small issue, but can be a sign of something more serious. Our dental team at Hermitage Dental provides bleeding gums treatment in Edmonton, AB. We want to help you improve your gum health and protect your smile.
Don’t ignore gums that bleed regularly. We can treat bleeding gums as part of our dental concerns, so you feel more comfortable.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums usually happen when the gum tissue becomes irritated or inflamed. Some common reasons why this happens include:
- Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis happens when plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) builds up along the gumline. If you don’t brush and floss properly, the bacteria in plaque can cause your gums to swell, turn red, and bleed easily.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing every day allows plaque to stay on your teeth and gums. Over time, this leads to irritation and bleeding gums.
- Brushing Too Hard: Using a toothbrush with hard bristles or brushing with too much pressure can hurt your gums and make them bleed. It’s best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle, circular motions.
- Flossing Incorrectly or Inconsistently: If you don’t floss regularly or suddenly start flossing after a long break, your gums may bleed at first. This should stop after a few days of regular, gentle flossing.
- Medications: Certain medications like blood thinners can make your gums more likely to bleed. Always let your dentist know what medications you are taking.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding.
- Health Conditions: Some medical issues, like diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, can affect your gum health. Bleeding gums may be a warning sign of a underlying health condition.
You can also encounter these symptoms if you have bleeding gums:
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that feel tender or sore
- Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Gums that pull away from your teeth (gum recession)
- Loose teeth
- Pain when chewing
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to visit our dental team at Hermitage Dental. Catching gum problems early can help prevent bigger issues in the future.
How to Treat Bleeding Gums in Edmonton, AB
At Hermitage Dental, we take bleeding gums seriously. When you visit us for treatment, we’ll do a full exam to check your gums, teeth, and overall oral health. Then, we’ll create a treatment plan just for you. Here are some ways we treat bleeding gums:
Antibacterial Rinse
One of the first steps we may recommend is an antibacterial mouth rinse. This special rinse helps reduce bacteria in your mouth that cause gum inflammation and bleeding. It’s much stronger than regular mouthwash you buy at the store and is usually prescribed by your dentist.
You’ll use the rinse at home, often once or twice a day. It helps clean areas of your mouth that brushing and flossing might miss and supports healing in your gums. Using an antibacterial rinse as part of your daily routine can make a big difference in controlling early signs of gum disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
If your bleeding gums are caused by a more serious buildup of plaque and tartar, you might need a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. This treatment goes deeper than a regular dental cleaning and targets the bacteria hiding under the gumline.
Scaling is the first step. We use special tools to remove plaque and hardened tartar from your gums and below the gumline. These areas hard to reach, and bacteria can grow there and cause infection.
Root planing is the second step. After we clean your teeth, we smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots. This helps your gums reattach to the teeth and makes it harder for bacteria to stick in the future.
Our dentists may recommend that you get deep gum cleanings every 4 months if you have gum disease. These cleanings are a part of periodontal disease treatment and keep symptoms like bleeding gums in check.
Prevent Bleeding Gums
We may also recommend changes you can do at home to prevent bleeding gums in the future. We may recommend that you:
Brush and Floss Every Day
Brush your teeth twice a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently for at least two minutes. Make sure to clean along the gum line, where plaque builds up.
Don’t forget to floss! Flossing once a day helps remove food and plaque from between your teeth. If your gums bleed a little when you first start flossing, that’s okay. This should stop after a few days as your gums get healthier.
Good brushing and flossing habits help remove harmful bacteria and prevent plaque buildup, which is one of the main causes of bleeding gums.
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
What you eat can affect the health of your gums. A balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to keep your gums strong and fight off infection. Eat vitamin C foods like oranges, strawberries, and bell peppers. Vitamin C helps your gums heal and reduces inflammation.
You also want to get enough vitamin D to support your bone and gum health. You can find vitamin D in foods like eggs, fish, and fortified milk. Include calcium-rich foods like yogurt, cheese, and leafy green vegetables. Calcium keeps your teeth and jawbone strong.
Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery, help clean your teeth as you chew. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, which can lead to plaque buildup and increase your risk of gum problems.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is great for your whole body. Drinking water helps:
- Wash away leftover food particles
- Rinse out bacteria
- Keep your mouth moist
Dry mouth can make it easier for bacteria to grow and lead to gum irritation. Try to drink water throughout the day, especially after meals or snacks.
Avoid Tobacco Products
Tobacco is one of the worst things for your gums. Smoking or chewing tobacco:
- Increases your risk of gum disease
- Slows down healing in your mouth
- Can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth
- Makes your breath smell bad and stains your teeth
If you use tobacco, quitting can make a big difference in your oral health. Talk to your dentist or doctor if you need help quitting. You have many resources available to support you.
Manage Stress
You may not realize it, but stress can also affect your gum health. When stressed, your body has a harder time fighting off infections, including gum infections. To reduce stress:
- Take deep breaths or practice relaxation exercises
- Get regular exercise
- Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy
- Talk to a friend or family member about how you’re feeling
Lowering your stress levels keeps your whole body, including your gums, healthier.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Seeing your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning is one of the best ways to prevent gum problems. At Hermitage Dental, we can:
- Remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing miss
- Check for signs of gum disease early
- Give you tips on how to care for your teeth and gums at home
- Catch and treat small issues before they turn into big problems
- If you’re having gum problems, we may ask you to visit more often so we can monitor your progress and provide extra care if needed.
Schedule an Appointment
At Hermitage Dental, we’re committed to helping patients enjoy strong and healthy gums. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, request an appointment with us online. You can also call 587-806-4168 to treat bleeding gums in Edmonton, AB.