Have your gums been bleeding more frequently after you brush and/or floss? If you’ve noticed this problem, and it happens more often than not, your body may be alerting you to a problem that is more serious than simply cleaning your teeth too vigorously.
When plaque builds up on your teeth, its favorite place to reside is on the gumline—the area between your teeth and gums. If left unaddressed, it becomes gingivitis. That is the term used for the early stages of gum disease. Filled with bacteria, plaque will irritate the gums and cause bleeding as well as redness and inflammation of the gums. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, come in for a dental checkup and evaluation right away before the gums recede and pockets of bacteria form. Once this happens, infection finds a foothold and you are well down the path to periodontitis and potential tooth loss.
Fighting gingivitis requires a consistent, daily routine of toothbrushing (twice a day) with a fluoride toothpaste, rinsing with an anti-gingivitis mouthwash, flossing (one time each day), and regular checkups at the dentist for in-depth cleanings and fluoride treatments. If you are neglecting these regular visits, you are risking periodontitis (gum disease) by the lack of periodic professional care.
If you would like to speak to our dentist about bleeding gums, call Dr. David Blackhurst and our helpful team at David R Blackhurst DDS. Phone: 801-756-7211. Make an appointment or come by our office in American Fork, Utah.