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Bleeding gums can indicate that you have gum disease. This disease is caused by plaque and bacteria that build up on the teeth. When plaque builds up, it irritates the gums, causing them to bleed. If this problem isn’t treated, it can lead to more serious issues like tooth loss.

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can lead to discomfort and bleeding, as well as more serious health problems if left untreated. When plaque builds up on teeth, it can cause inflammation in the gums, which leads to infection. When this happens, the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, creating pockets that fill with bacteria and debris. Eventually, the infection can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss and bone loss in the jaw. This is why it’s so important to see a dentist regularly and get treatment for gum disease as soon as possible.

Treating periodontal disease starts with scaling and root planing. During this procedure, we make sure all of the plaque and tartar are removed from your teeth. We then smooth the root surfaces to prevent future buildup from causing problems again. We’ll also discuss self-care with you to make the process easier. Good oral habits like brushing and flossing every day and getting regular cleanings and checkups are vital to protecting against gum infections.

What Causes Gum Disease?

There are a lot of factors that can cause bleeding gums, and all of them can be avoided with regular dental care. Here are a few of the most common culprits behind bleeding gums:

• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Abrasion from a rough toothbrush or floss
• Inadequately controlled diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
• Certain medications such as blood thinners and certain heart medicines like blood pressure pills may reduce the amount of blood flow to your gums and make them more susceptible to infection and inflammation.
• Genetics may also play a role. If your family has a history of issues such as gingivitis, you may be more likely to develop it, too.
• A dry mouth is another common culprit for bleeding gums. Drinking water regularly throughout the day helps to keep your mouth moist and prevent it from contributing to the buildup of plaque on your teeth. This helps to prevent infection caused by bacteria buildup.

If your gums bleed when you brush or floss them, you should schedule an appointment at your dentist’s office right away. Early treatment could prevent a minor problem from becoming a larger issue that could affect the health of your mouth. When caught early, gum disease can be completely reversed through professional treatments and regular brushing and flossing at home.

To learn more about the gum disease offered by Osuna Dental Care, call us at (505) 884-1989 or visit our dental office located at 5900 Cubero Dr NE suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109. We look forward to serving you soon.