Bleeding Gums: Causes, Treatment and Prevention 

Bleeding gums are far more than a nuisance. They are often a sign of gum (periodontal) disease, today’s leading cause of tooth loss in adults. At Santa Teresa Dental, we emphasize the importance of prevention, early detection, and treatment of gum disease to safeguard your smile. You can always count on us for personalized care and service that exceed your expectations. 

What Is Gum Disease and What Are Its Leading Causes?

Gum disease is a chronic and progressive infection that affects the structures that support the teeth, including the gum tissues, alveolar bone, and connective tissues. It is usually caused by plaque building up along and below the gum line, which irritates the gum tissues and causes inflammation. 

Other risk factors that elevate the risk of gum disease include smoking, a genetic predisposition, the natural aging process, certain illnesses, and hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy. Moreover, patients with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. 

What Are the Health Impacts of Gum Disease? 

Gum disease can impact your health beyond your smile. The chronic inflammation has been linked to serious health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and pregnancy complications. Caring for your gums not only protects your smile but also contributes to your health and overall well-being.

What Are the Stages of Gum Disease? 

Here is a look at the different stages of gum disease: 

• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is characterized by red, puffy, and bleeding gums. It can often be reversed with treatment and good oral hygiene because the structures that hold the teeth in place remain intact. 
• Early Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, the gums will gradually start to pull away from the teeth, leaving spaces called gum pockets that provide harmful bacteria with the ideal environment to flourish. During this early periodontitis stage, a slight loss of the tissues and bone supporting the teeth may occur. 
• Moderate Periodontitis: In this stage, the supporting bone and tissue become more severe. The teeth may also start feeling loose, and the gums may recede, leaving the teeth looking longer. 
• Advanced Periodontitis: This is the most severe and destructive stage of gum disease. The pockets deepen, chewing may become painful, and the teeth may shift, become loose, and even fall out. 

How Is Gum Disease Treated? 

At Santa Teresa Dental, we offer soft tissue management, a non-surgical approach ideal for treating early to moderate gum disease. Our goal is to keep the disease from progressing, restoring your gums to the healthiest state possible. 

Here is a look at the treatment options for the different stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis: Gingivitis typically requires two appointments to treat. During your first visit, we will use a laser to eliminate the inflammation and infection and provide at-home care instructions to promote healing. Your follow-up visit is usually 4-6 weeks later. We will evaluate your gum health and determine whether your gums are disease-free or require further treatment. 

Early and Moderate Periodontitis: During these stages of gum disease, treatment typically requires three sessions. The first two sessions include debridement and laser therapy. The third session includes a thorough evaluation of your at-home oral hygiene care to determine whether you require further treatment. Depending on your unique needs, we may recommend localized antimicrobial treatment to promote healing. 

Advanced Periodontitis: This advanced stage of periodontal disease is destructive, with devastating effects on your oral health. We may refer you to a periodontist who may recommend more involved or surgical interventions to ensure the best possible outcomes for your smile. 

After treatment, our team typically recommends periodontal maintenance appointments every 3-4 months. We will thoroughly clean your teeth, evaluate your gum health, and recommend intervention, if needed, to maintain your gum health. 

How Can You Lower the Risk of Gum Disease?

Preventing gum bleeding begins with good home oral hygiene practices. Make sure you brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit Santa Teresa Dental for your twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Huang and his dedicated team will ensure your gums stay healthy and free from disease. 

Gum Disease Care Near Me in Morgan Hill, CA

If you have bleeding gums, don’t wait. Contact Santa Teresa Dental to schedule a consultation. Dr. Huang will evaluate your gum health and may recommend treatment to safeguard your smile. We strive to ensure you enjoy healthy, beautiful smiles for a lifetime. Call us at 408-782-6568 to schedule an appointment, or book one online today!