Bleeding, swollen and red gums should be addressed as soon as possible.

Gum-related issues are a common concern for many people. Gums can become swollen and red when they have been brushed or flossed too vigorously, while bleeding is often a sign of gingivitis. Read on to find out what you should do if you have experienced any of these problems, and why it is important to take care of your gums…

What causes bleeding gums?

Healthy gums should appear pink, and should feel firm. If, however, they look red or swollen, or feel tender to the touch, it is possible that you are suffering from gum disease. The first stage of gum disease, which is known as gingivitis, is one of the most common causes of gum-related problems in adults. There are, however, a number of other possible causes of bleeding gums. These include bleeding disorders; hormonal changes that occur as a result of pregnancy; ill-fitting dentures; incorrect flossing technique; brushing too hard; certain medications; and vitamin deficiencies.

How can it be prevented?

Practising proper oral hygiene on a daily basis is one of the best things you can do to prevent bleeding gums. We recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, and that you floss daily. When brushing your teeth, it is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and to use gentle strokes — don’t brush too hard or too vigorously as this can cause damage. Be sure to clean all the surfaces of your teeth, as well as your gum line in order to get rid of plaque that may have accumulated.

Besides practicing proper oral hygiene, it is also a good idea to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Try and eat plenty of whole foods, and limit your consumption of foods and drinks that contain refined sugar as these can contribute to the build-up of plaque.

What are the treatment options?

If you have noticed some mild swelling and bleeding, it might be a sign that you need to improve your oral hygiene habits. It is worth consulting with your dentist as they will be able to let you know how to improve your brushing and flossing techniques. When you see your dentist, they will also examine your jaws, teeth and gums to determine whether or not there may be an alignment-related issue that could be preventing you from cleaning your teeth thoroughly. If an alignment issue is identified, your dentist will recommend a suitable treatment.

If you are struggling with bleeding gums, your dentist is likely to recommend a professional clean. During this process, plaque and tartar will be removed, which will help to address some of the effects of gingivitis.

How can we help?

At Beenleigh Marketplace Dental, we offer a range of general dentistry services. We believe that early treatment is essential when it comes to gum disease as this can prevent complications in the future. If you have noticed any of the early signs of gingivitis, we encourage you to come in and see us as soon as possible — if left untreated, the condition can escalate into a more serious infection and even lead to tooth loss.

At our practice, we offer non-surgical cleaning below the gum line with a procedure known as scaling and debridement. If a non-surgical approach is unsuccessful in managing your gum disease, we can perform periodontal surgery. The procedure effectively stops the progression of bone loss and can improve one’s oral health considerably.

If you would like to find out more about how we can manage and resolve gum disease, please have a look here.

If you would like to arrange a consultation to see us, please get in touch with us here or give us a call on (07) 3801 8799. We love helping to improve our patients’ oral and general health, and look forward to welcoming you to our practice in Beenleigh.