One of the most common complaints that patients have is that of bleeding gums. In most cases, our Los Angeles dentist will tell you that this symptom comes from one of the following four causes:
Gingivitis — If plaque gets left along your teeth for too long, it triggers an immune response that attacks the bacteria. The very first stage of this process is inflammation, swelling, and bleeding in your gums. Fortunately, gingivitis can usually be reversed within 10-14 days with good oral hygiene.
Gum Disease — Should gingivitis go untreated, it can cause a destruction of the supporting tissues around your teeth, causing them to pull away. Not only do the gums recede and the teeth become mobile, but excessive bleeding is very normal. At this point, a deep cleaning and periodontal therapy are necessary to remove the calcified bacteria contributing to the disease.
Medical Issues — Certain types of health issues may cause a person to bleed more. For example, someone with anemia (low iron levels) may have bleeding gums every time they floss, even if their mouth is relatively healthy. Our Los Angeles dentist should thoroughly examine your teeth and gums just to make sure it’s not dental related.
Medication — Prescription or over the counter medications can make it difficult for blood to clot, thereby making it easier to bleed. If you take an aspirin each day, you may notice this. But don’t discontinue medication unless you’ve discussed it with your doctor first.
If you’re unable to find the cause of your bleeding gums, or you need help finding a way to manage them so there isn’t “pink in the sink” each time you brush, contact our Los Angles dentist at 213.748.8448 or visit www.CrystalDentalCenters.com to learn more.
