Bleeding gums are a clear indicator that something is wrong with your oral health. This means that, with total certainty, the person suffering from it is suffering from gingivitis or periodontitis.
Both pathologies are included in periodontal disease. This ailment affects all the tissue surrounding the teeth and can lead to tooth mobility and even tooth loss, so it should not be taken lightly.
Causes of bleeding gums
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Consequences |
| Inflamed gums or swollen gums | Poor hygiene of the teeth, genetic factor, smoking, pathological diseases that can aggravate it. | The gums may bleed and may be damaged. |
| Receding gums | Active periodontitis. | After the gums are damaged, bone support begins to be lost. |
| Gum pain | Advanced gingivitis. | The gums should not hurt, so if this discomfort exists we are facing a problem of gingivitis in need of treatment by a specialist. |
| Suppuration of inflamed gingiva | Severe periodontitis | Periodontal pockets located between the teeth, resulting in bone loss with previous tooth movement. |
| Gum infection | A gum infection will most likely be gingivitis or periodontitis. | Symptoms range from swollen and bleeding gums to loss of the soft tissue that protects the tooth. |
| Persistent bleeding gums | Persistent bleeding is caused by gingivitis. | In addition to the discomfort caused by the bleeding itself, this symptom can cause bad breath and aesthetic problems. |
| Occasional bleeding gums | Occasional bleeding gums may be caused by a gingivitis problem. | It can be a clear indicator that something is wrong with the gums and requires examination by a specialist. |
| Inflammation of gums and glands | Gingivitis and periodontitis are infections and, as such, cause inflammation, both in the gums themselves and in the glands. | These symptoms are clear indicators of an infection, so it will have to be cured so that it does not affect the patient’s general health. |
| Tooth and gum pain | Dental pain can be caused by many things, from fractures to cavities. But if it is accompanied by gum pain, periodontal disease may be present. | Pain is another symptom that something is wrong in the mouth. That is why it is vital to visit the dentist when discomfort is noticed. |
| Throbbing gum pain | The gums are the tissue that lines the teeth, so a sharp, stabbing pain can mean an infection such as gingivitis. | If not addressed in time, gum pain can develop into tooth mobility and major problems. |
| Bleeding gums when sleeping or waking up | Bleeding gums during the night is a clear symptom of gingivitis, since sleeping reduces saliva levels and the mouth is more unprotected. | The consequence, apart from bad breath upon awakening, can lead to a more serious problem if not checked by a gum specialist dentist. |
| Excessive thirst and swollen gums | Again, thirst is an indicator of dehydration, something that plays in favor of any infection. Inflammation, however slight, indicates infection. | If not treated in time, periodontal disease will spread, destroying periodontal tissue. |
Types of gum disease
Gum disease, whose technical name is periodontitis , is the most severe stage of periodontal disease, which manifests itself with receding and swollen gums, profuse bleeding of the gums, tooth sensitivity and mobility and even tooth loss.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. It is a disease that manifests itself with reddening of the gums and sometimes bleeding when brushing the teeth.
Treatment and prevention of major ailments
The best treatment to avoid gingivitis is to reinforce dental hygiene as well as to follow the hygienist’s guidelines or change toothpaste.
For this, we recommend at least one dental cleaning per year, where we will make sure that all gums are in perfect condition.
Avoiding smoking, eating a healthy diet and having an adequate oral hygiene are some of the other health recommendations we make to prevent this disease.
Periodontal disease or periodontitis
As we have seen, periodontal disease has two phases: gingivitis, characterized by inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis, where the disease worsens with receding gums and the possibility of losing teeth.
What is the treatment for periodontal disease or for your diseased gums?
The treatment for pyorrhea or periodontitis will depend on the patient’s state of health and how advanced the disease is.
In our dental clinic in Barcelona, the first thing we do is a periodontogram, with which we can carry out an exhaustive control of the state of the gums.
Afterwards, the situation should be assessed and a professional scaling should be performed. Here, Dr. Neus Carrió is a specialist in the field, so you can rest assured that you are in the best hands.
Finally, a re-evaluation is carried out by Dr. Carrió to ensure that the gum problem has been solved and we schedule regular check-ups to closely monitor the evolution of the gum condition.
Alternative measures to bleeding gums
The first thing we can do to avoid bleeding gums and prevent diseases such as gingivitis is to improve our brushing technique.
To do this, we can start by changing the toothbrush for a better one. It should have soft filaments to avoid irritation of the gums. Also, remember to change it often, approximately every three months to prevent it from deteriorating.
On the other hand, we have the possibility to start using electric toothbrushes that are quite effective in removing plaque and debris, since they can act many more times per brush stroke.
How to prevent bleeding gums with dental floss?
Flossing can also prevent bleeding gums. To do this, it should be used with every brushing to remove food debris that may have been trapped between the teeth and prevent food accumulation.
Treatments for bleeding gums
As we said, treatment for bleeding gums should begin as soon as we notice the first symptoms. Prevention is the best weapon against periodontal disease and we must be prepared.
Home remedies
Home remedies, such as rinsing with a salt water solution, may help mitigate bleeding or discomfort, but will never be helpful in eliminating the root of the problem.
When should you see a dentist for bleeding gums?
Immediately after noticing the problem. Bleeding gums are the first indicator of gingivitis, the initial stage of periodontal disease. To prevent it from progressing, it is best to put yourself in the hands of professional dentists who can help you solve your problem.
If you want to know how we solve gingivitis, you can consult our periodontics treatments to improve this problem.
Other situations in which bleeding of the gums occurs
In addition to periodontitis and gingivitis, bleeding gums can occur for other causes. For example, during pregnancy, when the strong hormonal changes suffered by the mother can trigger this problem.
Also a bruxism problem, or clenching the teeth during sleep, can end up causing bleeding, as well as using an inadequate toothbrush.
That is why we insist on the need to visit the dentist when we see the first symptoms so that he/she can detect the cause of the problem as soon as possible and find a solution.
How does our periodontist treat gum regeneration?
The Dra. Neus Carrió is one of the most experienced professionals in this type of treatment, has a master’s degree in periodontics and is a professor of the Degree, Master’s Degree and Clinical Residency in Periodontics at the UIC. He is also a member of the Editorial Board of the scientific journal Periodoncia Clínica.
In this sense, resorting to a periodontal treatment in our dental clinic in Barcelona is a safe bet.
A bad curettage may cause pain and discomfort to the patient. However, Dr. Carrió is able to restore receding gums with precise and quality treatment.
Other situations in which bleeding of the gums occurs
In addition to periodontitis and gingivitis, bleeding gums can occur for other causes. For example, during pregnancy, when the strong hormonal changes suffered by the mother can trigger this problem. Also using an inadequate toothbrush.
That is why we insist on the need to visit the dentist when we see the first symptoms so that he/she can detect the cause of the problem as soon as possible and find a solution.
The importance of gum bleeding prevention
Periodontal disease is not a temporary problem, but worsens over time. Preventing bleeding gums with proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist is the best weapon to end it. But if it has already affected the patient, the best thing to do is to go to a quality dental clinic where they can apply a good periodontal treatment and a proper dental cleaning.
The dentists in Barcelona of Puyuelo dental clinic are happy to share these tips on gum care.
