Why Do I Have Bleeding Gums?

Although bleeding gums may sometimes be a result of aggressive brushing, more often than not, gingivitis is the cause of bleeding gums. If your gums bleed when you brush and floss, you may have an early stage of gum disease. Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, is the earliest stage of gum disease. It is common for patients to develop gingivitis if they do not thoroughly brush or floss twice a day. Often, food debris can build between teeth and hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Even if you gently brush your teeth and your bleeding gums are not caused by aggressive brushing, you may be at risk of periodontitis or gum disease. Dr. Mark Sowell can treat bleeding gums in his Plano, TX dental office. With his dental team, Dr. Sowell helps patients address symptoms of gum disease for healthier smiles.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Alongside bleeding gums, patients with gum disease can experience these common symptoms:

• Red or purple-tinged gums
• Swollen and tender gums
• Receding gums or long teeth
• Loose teeth
• Pain when biting or chewing
• Gum sensitivity to hot and cold
• Chronic bad breath (Halitosis)

Contact our dental office if you notice any signs of gum disease. We can help reverse the early stages of gum disease with routine dental cleanings and a good oral hygiene routine. However, patients with moderate to severe symptoms will require more extensive treatment.

Treat Gum Disease and Bleeding Gums in Plano, TX

There are several treatments for patients who experience bleeding gums and other symptoms of gum disease:

• Deep Cleaning: Scaling and root planing treatments are deep cleaning solutions for patients with mild to moderate signs of gum disease. Our dental hygienists remove plaque and tartar from and beneath the gums during scaling treatment. Next, our hygienists smooth down the tooth roots to help them reattach to the gums for root planing treatment. Our team can perform these treatments at regular appointments using specialized dental tools.
• Laser Dentistry: Dental lasers are a safe and effective treatment method for gum disease. We use laser dentistry to sterilize biofilm that builds upon the gum tissue. This biofilm is a layer of bacteria that forms plaque or calculus when it hardens. It is more difficult to remove hardened bacteria, which is why it is important to remove harmful bacteria before it builds.
• Tissue Regeneration: We use Emdogain™ technology to help regenerate healthy gum tissue. This technology is beneficial for patients with more severe forms of gum disease. For example, patients with deep gum pockets or receding gums benefit from tissue regeneration. This treatment not only keeps the gums healthy but also prevents bone loss.

Call Our Dental Office Today

Have you noticed that your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Be sure to schedule a routine appointment. You can request a dental consultation with Dr. Sowell on our website today. New patients can call (972) 382-6855, and current patients may call (972) 931-0090. Let us know if you have any questions for our dental team. We will always be happy to help.