Why Are My Gums Bleeding? How Bleeding Gums Can Effect Cosmetic Dentistry?

One of the reasons new patients come for a dental visit is that they have noticed bleeding gums.  The question is:

            Is it normal that my gums bleed when I brush and floss? 

The answer is: No, it is not normal and not healthy to have bleeding gums.  There are different reasons that gums may start to bleed during brushing or flossing; some are temporary and some can develop into more serious stages of periodontal disease. 

Is it normal for my gums to be swollen or puffy?

The answer is: No, it is not normal. Puffy and swollen gums are a sign that your gums are not healthy and that there is a problem. Visiting the dentist can help determine how much of a problem you are facing.

For more information on periodontal disease and other gum diseases contact Dr. Lee and her team today.

What Is Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a precursor to periodontal disease. If you struggle to brush, floss or eat healthy, you may be able to see signs of these lifestyle choices in your gums. As food stays on your teeth or goes below the gum line it mixes with bacteria causing plaque. This plaque buildup then leads to Gingivitis when left untreated. If your gums are bleeding or swollen, this may be part of the reason. Here are 4 signs that you may notice if you have Gingivitis,

1.     Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums.  It is the initial stage of gum disease.  The symptoms of gingivitis include:

•      bleeding or swollen gums

•      red, puffy gums

•      gum tenderness

•      mouth sores and bad breath

              Gingivitis is caused by plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, build ups on teeth and gums.    Plaque produces toxins that irritate the gums and lead to bleeding and inflammation.  Gingivitis is the number one among the causes of bleeding gums in adults. Dr. Lee does not recommend cosmetic dentistry for patients who have bleeding gums. Gum tissues have to be healthy prior to any dental treatment. 

For more information on Gingivitis and other gum related problems, contact Dr. Lee and her team today.

My Gums Are Bleeding, Why?

It is not normal for your gums to bleed and there may be a variety of reasons or problems that you are faced with that cause this. If you do not brush and floss regularly you may begin to see build-up, bleeding and swollen gums. However, there are other causes as well, such as medications that you are taking.

The American Dental Association (ADA) lists blood thinning medications as one of the possible causes of bleeding gums. These medications decrease the blood’s ability to clot, which can lead to easier bleeding. Other medications include:

•      anticonvulsants-Dilantin can cause abnormal gum swelling

•      blood pressure medications

•      immuno-suppressants can cause gum inflammation and bleeding

Bleeding gums is never normal, if you are impacted by this problem, contact Dr. Lee and her team today for a consultation to ensure that there is nothing more serious impacting your smile.

Smoking and The Risk To Your Smile

Cigarette Smoking causes a host of problems to your smile and to your health. Not only does smoking stain your teeth, you may have missing or broken teeth, gum disease and other problems. Here are 4 problems that smokers are at risk for,

•      smokers are at a higher risk of experiencing bleeding gums

•      inhaled smoke can leave irritating toxins on the teeth that can be difficult to remove through brushing or flossing 

•      toxins in the cigarettes cause the gums to become aggravated and bleed

•      bleeding gums allow the dangerous periodontal bacteria to invade the bloodstream and set up inflammation and disease in other parts of the body

Dr. Lee does not recommend cosmetic dentistry for patients who have bleeding gums. Gum tissues have to be healthy prior to any dental treatment.  For more information on how to quit smoking and other health related problems caused by smoking contact Dr.Lee and her team today.

Are You Stressed?

Stress can be a leading cause of several problems you face. While you are running around busy, cleaning up after kids, working at a full time job, cooking, cleaning and handling the day to day activities you may not feel how stressed you are but your smile does. Stress can cause you to feel tired, worn down, and unable to handle the problems that life is throwing at you, it can also cause,

•      inflammation in the blood vessels

•      inhibits healing of the body

•      increases vulnerability to bleeding gums and periodontal disease

For more information on stress and how it impacts your smile, contact Dr. Lee and her team today.