bleeding gums dentist at RCT Smiles

what are bleeding gums

Bleeding gums can be caused by a variety of things such as brushing and flossing too vigorously. But if your gums won’t stop bleeding, or they always look and feel swollen, it’s likely a sign that you’re suffering from one of the most common (but dangerous) oral health issues — gum disease.

Why gum disease causes gums to bleed:

Gum disease starts when plaque accumulates

Plaque eventually hardens into tartar

Tartar irritates your gums, causing inflammation and swelling

Swollen gums are more likely to bleed

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when to be concerned about bleeding gums

Occasional bleeding from your gums isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. It’s possible that the bleeding is a short-lived one-time issue caused by a change in your brushing and flossing habits.

However, because of the connection between irritated gums and periodontal disease, it’s always best to monitor the situation closely. Give us a call if you don’t notice an improvement in a day or so, or if it’s been more than 6 months since your last dental cleaning and exam.

How to treat bleeding gums

What does a dentist do for bleeding gums? Treatment to stop bleeding gums must be catered based on severity. Early signs of gum disease can be reduced by making lifestyle changes and keeping up on your twice-a-year dental visits. More advanced cases require treatments like scaling and root planing, sealants, or laser treatments.

That’s what we’re here for. Give us a call at 224-228-3494 and we’ll evaluate your situation and make the best recommendation for you.

evaluate the health of your gums

Your treatment plan will depend on your diagnosis. It’s important to get a professional diagnosis so you can find the right solution!

Step 1

Request your appointment

Step 2

Get an exam, diagnosis, and custom treatment plan

Step 3

Begin treatment and learn how to stop bleeding gums

answers to your
questions

Can you stop bleeding gums at home?

Try out these at-home tricks to stop the bleeding until you can get in to see your dentist:

Hold an ice pack against your gums
Try a warm salt water rinse
Hold a clean, damp gauze against the affected area or try a wet tea bag containing tannins

How long do bleeding gums take to heal?

Unless you’re suffering from gum disease, random gum bleeding should stop within 3 days. If the bleeding persists or if your gums are constantly bleeding, call us right away.