Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush and Floss?

Healthy gums don’t normally bleed when you brush or floss, and if they do, it’s usually a warning sign of periodontal (gum) disease, today’s leading cause of tooth loss in adults. The good news is that when it is caught early, it is treatable and often reversible. Our team at Avalon Dental Care is dedicated to preventing, treating, and managing periodontal disease to help keep your gums healthy and your teeth intact. We invite you to contact our Lomita practice to get started today!

What Are the Causes of Gum Bleeding?

Gum bleeding is usually related to early periodontal (gum) disease, a condition known as gingivitis. It usually develops when plaque and tartar build up along the gumline, which irritates the gum tissue and leads to inflammation and bleeding when you brush and floss.

Additional risk factors for gingivitis and gum bleeding may include the following:

• A family history and age-related risk factors
• Smoking and using tobacco products
• Poor oral hygiene practices
• Misaligned, missing, or crowded teeth
• Hormonal changes, such as those that occur with pregnancy
• Certain medications and health conditions like diabetes

What Are the Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease?

In addition to bleeding gums, the following are some of the warning signs of gum inflammation and infection:

• Red, Swollen, or Puffy Gums: Your gums should be firm and fit snugly around your teeth when healthy. Gums that look red or darker than usual, feel puffy, appear swollen, or show any other noticeable changes in their appearance can be a warning sign of gum inflammation.
• Persistent Bad Breath: Everyone has an occasional bout of bad breath. But if the unpleasant mouth odor persists, it may be due to gum inflammation or infection.
• Receding Gums: As the condition progresses, your gums may begin pulling away from your teeth, making them appear longer. This can expose the tooth roots, increasing the risk of decay and tooth sensitivity.
• Pain When Chewing: Ongoing tenderness or discomfort while eating can indicate that the infection has begun to affect the structures that support your teeth. Chewing may feel uneven or uncomfortable as the supporting bone and tissue weaken.
• Pus Around the Gumline: Pus along the base of the teeth or between the gums and teeth is a sign of active infection. Make sure to seek prompt attention to keep the infection from spreading.
• Loose or Shifting Teeth: As the bone and tissue break down, teeth that once felt solid may begin to loosen or drift out of position. You might also notice a change in the way your bite fits together.

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated and Managed?

Here are some of the treatment options for periodontal disease:

Gingivitis Treatment: Treating gingivitis usually involves a professional dental cleaning coupled with meticulous home oral hygiene practices. At this point, there’s usually no permanent damage to the bone and tissue that support your teeth, so when treated early, gingivitis can often be reversed.

Scaling and Root Planing: If the condition has advanced, we typically recommend a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing (SRP). Our hygienist will gently remove plaque and tartar from your gum line, followed by cleaning and smoothing your tooth root surfaces to help encourage healing.

ARESTIN: For targeted infection control after scaling and root planing, we may recommend ARESTIN treatment. We place this antibiotic powder directly into the deep gum pockets where it’s gradually released over time, helping control the infection and support healing.

Perio Protect: The innovative, non-invasive treatment involves the use of custom-fitted trays to deliver a medicated gel deep into periodontal pockets, where it targets hidden bacteria at their source. Used alongside professional periodontal care, this at-home therapy can help manage bacterial biofilm, bleeding, and inflammation between office visits.

Periodontal Maintenance: After your treatment, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance appointments every 3 to 4 months. During your visits, we will clean your teeth and evaluate your gum tissue, intervening if necessary to maintain your gum health. It’s also important to maintain excellent at-home oral hygiene practices to keep your gum disease in check.

Periodontal Care Near Me in Lomita, CA

If you have gum bleeding or other warning signs of periodontal disease, don’t wait. Contact Avalon Dental Care to schedule an evaluation. Our dedicated team will recommend the most conservative solution to keep your gums as healthy as possible and your teeth intact. We invite you to call 310-530-3100 to schedule an appointment or book your visit online today!