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Bleeding gums are an unpleasant warning sign that it is time to make an appointment at See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics. Bleeding gums can be traced back to oral health issues like abrasive brushing, irregular flossing, and gingivitis. However, one large culprit of bleeding gums is periodontitis, otherwise known as periodontal disease. Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease and cause a patient’s gums to start bleeding. Here, we will cover more about periodontal disease, why it makes gums bleed, and other signs to watch out for.
Periodontal disease is an advanced stage of gingivitis. Gingivitis causes gum inflammation, redness, tenderness, swelling, and bleeding gums. If it is not treated, gingivitis can easily develop into periodontal disease. Treating gingivitis and periodontal disease early on is essential. For example, periodontal disease can cause receding gums, removing the support of the teeth next to them. These teeth then become loose and eventually fall out.
Plaque and bacteria build up along the gumline, causing gums to become irritated, infected, and bleed easily. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics in Santa Barbara can keep your teeth and gums clean, as well as remove plaque before it has a chance to solidify into a hardened substance called tartar.
Another sign of periodontal disease is halitosis, which is the official dentistry term for “bad breath.” In addition, the gums usually become swollen, tender, and bleed. Teeth may become loose or unexpectedly fall out of their sockets due to a receding gum line.
See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics uses deep teeth cleanings to treat patients with periodontal disease. Deep teeth cleanings are also sometimes referred to as scaling and root planing. These cleanings differ from routine dental cleanings in that they concentrate on cleaning at and below the gumline, including the external surface of the teeth’s roots.
Deep teeth cleanings often involve a localized anesthetic to mitigate any discomfort during the procedure. The cleaning is usually broken up into two appointments in which different sides, or quadrants, of the mouth are cleaned. Afterward, your teeth may be slightly more sensitive than usual. See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics will let you know how to take care of your teeth at home, as well as help you schedule a follow-up appointment in four to six weeks. In addition, more regular cleanings may need to be performed several times a year to ensure your gums remain healthy. Otherwise, cleanings may be conducted twice a year for maintenance.
See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics usually charges anywhere between $150-$250 for each side, or quadrant, of the mouth. However, the exact cost can vary, especially for patients with dental insurance. If you need help determining your dental benefits, See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics will be happy to help you. We make it a priority to offer cost-effective dental services to California residents!
Seeing a dentist is imperative to stop gums from receding and losing your teeth. However, untreated periodontal disease can have other devastating effects. Since oral health and general wellness are intricately linked, periodontal disease may increase your risk of certain health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Therefore, it is best to act upon the first signs of gingivitis or periodontal disease by making an appointment at See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics in Santa Barbara, CA.
Bleeding gums should never be ignored. If See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics rules out gingivitis or periodontal disease as the source of your bleeding gums, you may need to explore alternative answers. For example, certain blood clotting disorders can cause the gums to bleed, as can leukemia. In addition, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, blood thinners, and scurvy have been linked to bleeding gums. Whether or not your bleeding gums are an oral health issue does not negate the fact that it is not normal for gums to bleed, and bleeding gums should be taken seriously.
Your gums are essential when it comes to good oral health. An oral hygiene regimen that includes brushing twice a day and flossing at least once can help preserve the health of your gums. Gums need to be cleaned as much as teeth do, and brushing in small, circular motions along the gumline can stimulate them. In addition, regular dental exams and cleanings at See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics can prevent or catch oral health issues before they have a chance to develop into something more serious.
Bleeding gums are a warning sign of a more serious issue. They can be caused by gingivitis, periodontal disease, vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes during pregnancy, medications like blood thinners, and health issues, such as blood clotting disorders, leukemia, and scurvy. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics will help you determine if it is stemming from an oral health issue like gingivitis or periodontal disease. Regular dental exams, cleanings, and good oral hygiene can help protect your gums and preserve their health, so do not hesitate to contact our dental office in Santa Barbara, CA today!
If you are experiencing bleeding gums or symptoms of periodontal disease, See Me Smile Dental and Orthodontics is here to help. Simply contact us today or call our Santa Barbara office at (805) 284-0826!
