When to See a Dentist About Bleeding Gums

Everyone knows that dentists work with teeth. It should be noted that teeth are not the only part of your body within a dentist’s purview. In fact, dentists are also quite knowledgeable about other parts of your mouth and your overall oral hygiene. Therefore, you should also consult your dentist when you start to have issues with your gums.

Know The Importance of Your Gums

 Your gums do more than keep your teeth in place. The health of your gums plays a big part in the health of your teeth and your body overall. It is the job of your gums to keep bacteria out of your body by protecting the roots of your teeth. If your gums are weak, then bacteria can gain a foothold. This can lead to tooth decay and loss.

The Appearance of Healthy Gums

 Before you can look for problems with your gums, you first need to understand what they should look like. In general, your gums should be a warm pink color. The area where your gums meet your teeth should be smooth, fitting around each tooth like a collar. While you are likely to see your gums bleed from time to time, bleeding is not normal. Bleeding gums could be an indication of a problem. Here are the circumstances that should make you call the dentist about your bleeding gums.

Call Your Dentist If Your Gums Bleed Regularly

 Occasional bleeding is expected, but if the bleeding becomes consistent, then it may be the sign of a problem. Regular bleeding is associated with gingivitis. This gum disease occurs when poor dental habits lead to bacteria growth. This bacteria growth can quickly irritate the gums, which is why bleeding is one of the telltale signs of gum disease. Other signs of gingivitis include yellow build-up at the base of your teeth. This is called plaque, and it may be readily visible. You may also feel it with your tongue. Fortunately, early gingivitis can be reversed, which is why you should call for dental cleaning when your gums start to bleed.

Contact Your Dentist If Your Gums Bleed While Pregnant

 Another time to think twice about your bleeding gums is during pregnancy. Some people notice bleeding gums for the first time when with a child. This is because pregnancy has a dramatic effect on the body. As hormone levels start to rise, many bodily functions are impacted. This includes your mouth and gums. Some people will experience swelling in the gums. When this happens, the gums may also become unusually sensitive, which can make it hard to maintain your oral hygiene habits. Therefore, discuss your condition with your dentist. If the bleeding gets worse, be sure to make an additional appointment to learn more about your options.

Consult Your Dentist If You Are On a New Medication

 Another factor that can impact your gums is a new medicine. Medicines are designed to help your body, but each one comes with the risk of side effects. One side effect that you may not be expecting is bleeding gums. Medicines that cause bleeding gums include blood thinners and aspirin. These medicines change the consistency of your blood in order to prevent issues with clotting. This can save your life, but it can also make your gums more susceptible to problems. Therefore, always tell your dentist at your next dental cleaning about what medications you are taking. Your dentist should be able to help you deal with your bleeding gums while on such medications.

Consider A Dental Visit If You Experience Signs of Gingivitis

 If your gums bleed, it is not always the sign of a problem. In some cases, your bleeding gums could be related to vigorous brushing or other mouth trauma. Therefore, watch for other signs of gingivitis as well. Look at your gums. Are they red or swollen? Are you experiencing sensitivity? Also, look for signs of gum separation, and make note of how often you experience bad breath. If your teeth are loose or suddenly misaligned, then you should think twice about your bleeding gums. Call the dentist for dental cleaning if you experience any of these additional symptoms.