Bleeding gums are far more common than people realise, they are caused in most cases due to early gum disease. In most cases they are very treatable and can be cured with a combination of in practice and at home treatments.
What Do Bleeding Gums mean?
If it’s that you have developed gum disease, it’s highly likely this is down to poor oral hygiene. If people don’t follow a strict cleaning routine bacteria can quickly build up and form plaque and then tartar. Having this build up sitting against the gum lines causes the body to start the fighting infection process as it believes something is wrong. The body is really very clever and just as when you cut yourself or have a scrap the brain sends blood to the area to protect it which is why the area flares and reddens. Another reason could actually be that you’re brushing too hard. If you’re using a brush that is too coarse or hard, or you’re using too much pressure, just like any other area of the body the surface skin could be broken and as gums are very soft and sensitive it doesn’t take much to cause this. It could also be caused if you’re recently started or changed to a new medication. Some medicines contain blood thinning properties which will stop the body from blotting properly. If you have noticed bleeding and changed medicines recently, speak with your dentist in Fulham to see if it’s related to a medicine you’re taking.
Smoking
It’s worth noting that smoking is a major cause of bleeding gums and if you are a smoker trying to cure any issues with your gums long-term can be really difficult. If you need help quitting smoking, there are lots of services available through the NHS and online support groups.
How to cure bleeding gums?
It will very much depend on the reason why you’re bleeding as to the course of action you take. In the very first instance you should get an appointment with your dentist in Fulham as soon as possible so they can assess the reasons. If you have developed gum disease, they will have to arrange an appointment with the practices hygienist who will perform a thorough examination and then scale and polish to remove any bacteria and plaque build-up causing this bleeding. Alongside this you’ll need to develop a more detailed cleaning routine to make sure you don’t again develop disease. If your dentist doesn’t think you have any disease, they could ask to see how you brush and what brush you use to establish if it’s being caused by an intense brushing. They could recommend a new brush and show you better, gentler ways to brush your teeth. If they believe that it’s being caused by a new medication, they will discuss with you the reason for the medication and might try and work alongside you and your doctor to find another medicine that’s not blood thinning. If, however they think it won’t cause any long-term issues then you might be able to stay on the medication.
