Bleeding Gums Are NOT Normal!

Even if you think you do a great job taking care of your teeth, chances are you've seen an occasional drop or two of blood on your gums after flossing, or in the sink. Not problem - right? Not so fast!

Bleeding gums are not NEVER normal and the cause needs to be determined. To put it another way - imagine if your scalp started bleeding after you brushed your hair - would you be concerned?  If your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth, you may have a problem and need to schedule a dental appointment to find out.

Here are some of the reasons that gums may start to bleed:  

Gum Disease

Chances are, your bleeding gums are caused by gum or periodontal disease. Gum disease is common. Really common. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, up to 80% of the adult population has some level of periodontal disease, while only about 10% are aware of it. Half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis, the more advanced form of periodontal disease. This equals approximately 64.7 million Americans!

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. Plaque on your teeth and at the gumline that is not removed by brushing and flossing can infect the gums and lead to the gingivitis. When gingivitis occurs, your gums may become swollen, tender and bleed during brushing. This early stage of gum disease responds well to good brushing and flossing habits and regular dental care. If not treated, gingivitis may progress to a more serious form of gum disease called periodontitis. The infection & inflammation associated with moderate and severe gum disease can result in tooth loss, and is also linked with other serious health issues and concerns such as stroke, heart disease, Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

Medications

Medications may also cause your gums to bleed.  The American Dental Association lists blood thinning medications, such as warfarin, aspirin, and heparin as one of the possible causes of bleeding gums. These medications decrease the blood's ability to clot, which can lead to easier bleeding.

Changes in Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Changing your flossing routine can also lead to bleeding gums. For example, if you haven't remembered to floss for a few days, or if you have begun to floss more frequently, then you may notice some temporary bleeding. Or, you've switched from a soft-bristled toothbrush to a firm brush may also result in gums that bleed. Again, this should be temporary.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Some pregnant women experience swollen gums and bleeding during brushing. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis. Hormonal changes during pregnancy alter the body's response to the bacteria that causes gum disease. According to the American Pregnancy Association, symptoms should clear up after pregnancy. A dental checkup and regular brushing and flossing can help to prevent gum problems from becoming worse.

Poorly Fitting Dentures or Oral Appliances

People who wear dentures may also may experience bleeding of the gums from time to time. This is more likely when the dentures are too small or fit too tightly. People who wear retainers or other oral appliances may also experience bleeding from improper fit. Consult your dentist or orthodontist if dentures or other oral appliances are uncomfortable.  You may need to take new impressions to create a better-fitting mouthpiece. 

Medical Conditions

Frequent episodes of gum bleeding, however, can indicate more serious conditions, such as: leukemia (cancer of the blood) or hemophilia (lack of clotting cells).   Deficiencies of vitamins C and K can also cause gums to bleed easily. However, vitamin deficiencies aren’t often seen in people who live in developed countries, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. This is because healthy children and adults living in developed areas of the world have access to vitamins C and K through food and supplements.

Your best bet? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Morrison at Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS to discuss your concerns and determine why you are seeing red when you brush and floss.  We can be reached at 919.755.3450 or you can schedule online. 

Pregnant? Don't Forget About Your Oral Health

For some pregnant women, a dental visit is not top priority.  We understand - you have a lot on your plate!  Between doctor visits, preparing for baby’s arrival, and managing pregnancy symptoms, scheduling a routine dental visit may not seem too important. 

Plus – you might be concerned about whether it’s safe to visit the dentist. Or, you may not want to take more time off of work.  Cost can also be an issue - prenatal visit co-pays and getting the nursery ready can really add up.  Why spend more at the dentist - right? 

Well, we’re here to tell you – dental visits are not only safe but an important part of your prenatal care!  Pregnancy affects your mouth in many ways and the link between gingivitis and systemic illness suggest that untreated gum disease can affect the health of your unborn baby as well as lower your immune system.  In fact, gum disease has been inked to gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and premature delivery. 

Gingivitis, Cavities and More!

When your expecting, your body undergoes many changes - some of these are dental related.  Due to pregnancy hormones, you may experience pregnancy gingivitis, which can cause gum sensitivity and bleeding while brushing or flossing.  Symptoms include bad breath, and swollen, red sensitive gums that bleed easily. The rise in hormone levels can also cause the gums to swell, trapping food which irritates your gums.

Pregnant women also have an increased risk of tooth decay.  Eating more carbohydrates, snacking between meals, or increased acid in the mouth from vomiting due to morning sickness, will put your teeth at a higher risk for decay.

Some women also experience “pregnancy tumors,” which are benign growths of tissue along the gums and between the teeth that may be related to excess plaque.  These sound scary but they are not cancerous.  Your dentist will be able to diagnose what’s normal or what’s not during your exam.

Finally, any infection in your mouth not only puts stress on your body from the pain, but may spread to the rest of your body as well.  Periodontal disease or an infection may result in low birth weight, premature birth, or even preeclampsia, a rare but life-threatening condition.

Prevention Is Key 

In addition to scheduling your routine dental cleaning and exam, be sure to keep up your home care routine.  Brush thoroughly with fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Vomiting due to morning sickness can create acidic environment, which means you need to brush even more.  Don't forget to floss - your gums need extra care during this time.   

You will also want to eat well to protect your baby's teeth. Diet deficiencies during pregnancy may cause changes in baby’s tooth formation and leave their teeth at greater risk for decay later in life. Choose foods that are high in calcium, vitamins and minerals.  

Dental Treatment and Safety While Pregnant
If you need dental treatment, like a filling or crown, while your're pregnant, don't worry.  Technology has made great strides in the dental field and today's procedures and medications are more gentle and safer than ever before.  We recommend that you have any non-emergency dental work done during the second trimester - when morning sickness has subsided and before it becomes too uncomfortable to lie on your back for long periods of time.  

Thanks to digital x-rays, should these be required, the exposure to radiation is lower than ever.  The added reassurance of a lead apron (which covers your abdomen and neck) reduces your exposure even further.  

Dental anesthetics is also safe fore use during pregnancy.  Fortunately, lidocaine, which is the most commonly used local anesthetic during dental treatments, is  considered to have almost no negative effect on the mother and  fetus. In addition, the changes of any local anesthetics used in dental treatments for pregnant women having a negative affect on pregnant women and their fetuses appears to be very low.   

At Jeff M. Morrison & Associates, DDS, we want to provide our patients who are pregnant (or who think they may be) with the best possible care.  Be sure to  share the following important information with us when you schedule:

• Let us know if you are pregnant (or you suspect you may be) 
• Let us know what month you are in when you make your appointment. 
• Tell us if you are having a high-risk pregnancy or you have some other medical condition or concern such as vomiting due to morning sickness. 
• Let us know if there is any change in the medications you take or if you have received any special advice from your physician. 
• Keep us informed of any changes in your mouth such as swelling, redness or bleeding gums. 

 

If you’ve been putting off your dental visit, go ahead and make that call!  Concerned about cost?  Some dental benefit plans have special maternity programs with additional services like extra cleanings or discounts on oral health prescriptions.  If you don't have dental insurance, our in-office St. Mary's Street Dental Savings Plan provides discounted preventive care, as well as 15% off all other general or cosmetic dental care. 

Our friendly staff an be reached at 919 755 3450 if you have questions or want to schedule an appointment. You can also request an appointment online .