Problems We Treat: Bleeding Gums Coeur d’Alene

What are the causes of bleeding gums?

• Are your gums red and swollen?
• Do you notice blood in the sink after you brush your teeth?

Minor tooth sensitivity and irritated gums can be a sign that you have plaque buildup, are using the wrong toothbrush, or are starting to floss for the first time in a while. However, if bleeding gums persist, you may be dealing with periodontal disease (gum disease).

Are bleeding gums serious?

Bleeding gums can be a sign of unhealthy gums which lead to a variety of dental issues such as severe sensitivity, loose teeth, bone loss, and missing teeth.

Those with gum disease are at a higher risk for developing serious systemic illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, auto-immune diseases, inflammatory diseases, and preterm labor.

How to Make Your Gums Healthy Again

Bleeding gums typically aren’t an emergency and you can reduce pain or swelling with a cold ice pack or warm saltwater rinse. Make sure with your dentist, though, that there isn’t something more serious going on.

There are several at-home preventive steps you can take to avoid bleeding gums and gum disease:

• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a professional dental exam and cleaning
• Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes
• Floss once a day
• Stop smoking, vaping, and/or chewing tobacco

Treatments for Bleeding Gums Coeur d’Alene

At Coeur d’Alene Dental Center, we offer deep cleanings to address bleeding gums caused by gum disease. Deep cleanings are more in-depth than your routine 6-month cleanings and involve 2 steps:

• Root Planing: The roots of your teeth are cleaned and smoothed to remove bacteria
• Scaling: Tartar and plaque pockets are completely removed from beneath your gumline

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