Bleeding Gums: Are You at Risk?

Quick Summary

Bleeding gums most commonly signal gum disease ranging from gingivitis to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated. Research shows associations between gum disease and other serious conditions including heart disease and diabetes. Early diagnosis by a periodontist allows for more effective treatment options to restore oral health and prevent complications.

Key Takeaways

• Take the American Academy of Periodontology’s Gum Disease Risk Assessment Test to evaluate your risk factors based on bleeding, flossing habits, tobacco use, and family history.
• Brush and floss twice daily while avoiding cutting into sore gums with floss, and eliminate tobacco products that irritate gums and cause bleeding.
• Schedule an appointment with a board-certified periodontist at the first sign of persistent gum bleeding to catch gum disease early when treatment is most effective.
• Ask your periodontist about aesthetic procedures like crown lengthening or gum grafts if gum appearance is a concern alongside addressing underlying periodontal health.

Do your gums bleed after brushing your teeth or eating certain foods? You probably know that continual gum bleeding can be a sign of early-stage gum disease, however you might not be aware that oral bleeding and inflammation can also hint at a host of other medical conditions. If you’re experiencing persistent bleeding of the gums, the best thing you can do is to schedule an appointment with an experienced periodontist like Dr. Alexandre Aalam or Dr. Alina Krivitsky of the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy.

Most often, gum bleeding and inflammation occur as a result of gum disease, and are a sign that your gums are not receiving the cleaning and care they need. A mild form of gum disease, gingivitis results from a failure to remove plaque during brushing and flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into a more serious type of gum disease known as periodontitis. When not addressed by a periodontist, this condition can lead to more serious gum and jaw issues and even tooth loss.

Drs. Aalam and Krivitsky recommend that patients take the American Academy of Periodontology’s Gum Disease Risk Assessment Test to determine if they are at higher risk of developing gum disease. The self-assessment asks patients to answer a series of questions, including:

• Do your gums ever bleed?
• How often do you floss?
• Are your teeth loose?
• Do you smoke or use tobacco?
• Have you ever been told at a dental cleaning or exam that you have inflammation of the gums?
• Have your family members had gum disease?

Those patients with a high risk factor for gum disease, and those who are already noticing concerning symptoms such as bleeding gums, should not wait to schedule an appointment with a periodontist. The earlier gum disease is diagnosed, the more Dr. Aalam and Krivitsky can do to improve your oral health, restoring the appearance of your smile and preventing other serious medical conditions from developing. Recent studies show an association between gum disease and other illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Taking care of your gums can help to protect your entire body.

If you are already experiencing signs of early gum, disease, it’s important not to panic. You can do a lot to improve the health and appearance of your gums. Drs. Aalam and Krivitsky recommend brushing and flossing teeth twice daily. If your gums are sore or bleed easily, take care not to cut into them with the floss. You should also avoid tobacco products, as these irritate gums and cause bleeding.

If you are concerned about the appearance of your gums, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky may be able to help. Specialists in gum and jawbone corrective treatments, they offer aesthetic crown lengthening, gum grafts and a number of other procedures designed to improve the appearance of teeth and gums.

If you’re suffering from bleeding gums, don’t wait to get help. Schedule a consultation with Brentwood’s only two board-certified periodontists, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky, by calling (310) 826-8242.

Next, learn about a possible link between gum disease and erectile dysfunction.

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