If any part of your body started bleeding, you would probably feel quite alarmed and make every effort to stop it. When gums bleed, however, it’s easier to ignore. That said, it is important that you don’t overlook something which could lead to a major problem with your dental health. Keeping your gums in prime shape will help protect your smile. If your gums are red, swollen, and/or bleeding, visit Des Moines dentist, Dr. Burds, immediately to address the cause.

Why are My Gums Bleeding?

• Brushing too Aggressively: If you brush your teeth too hard, you may damage your gingival tissues. Rough toothbrush bristles and abrasive toothpaste may poke at and weaken your gums. Furious scrubbing can also wear away your tooth enamel and cause gum recession. Additionally, poorly fitting dentures, retainers, and mouthguards may rub or cut your gums and other soft tissues in your mouth, creating discomfort and bleeding. When your gum tissues become wounded, bacteria may enter your bloodstream and infect other areas of your body.

• Avoiding Flossing: If you haven’t flossed in a while, you may notice your gums hurt and bleed a little when you get back to it. Flossing helps regulate blood circulation to your gums. Flossing daily will help strengthen the tissues, and the bleeding may stop on it’s own.

• Gum Disease: In many cases, bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease (periodontal disease). Plaque buildup along your gumline can harden into tartar within 48 hours. This irritates and infects your gingival tissues. Untreated periodontal infections can lead to tooth loss, as well as an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, pregnancy complications, and other health problems. Gum disease is a progressive condition, but Dr. Burds offers treatment for the problem to allow your gums to heal. Non-surgical treatments include scaling and root planing to remove bacteria from the gum line, as well as antibiotics to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth.

Visit your Des Moines Dentist

Proper daily dental care will help keep your gums strong and healthy. If your gums bleed, contact Dr. Burds to determine the cause of your dental discomfort. Call Gateway Dental Group at (515) 244-9565 to schedule periodontal therapy. Our dentist office in Des Moines, Iowa welcomes patients from Des Moines, River Bend, Kirkwood Glen, East Village, and neighboring communities.