Dr. Glen Wainwright treats the symptoms of gum disease, including bleeding gums in our Austin, Texas dentist office. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, you may be developing periodontitis or gum disease. Many people may frequently deal with bleeding gums but don’t realize that they have gum inflammation or gingivitis.
Gingivitis quickly leads to periodontitis or gum disease. However, not all gingivitis may progress to gum disease if properly and promptly treated. Because gum disease is preventable and treatable, it is important to look for common symptoms like red, swollen or bleeding gums. Dr. Wainwright and his team at Austin Dental Care for treatment for this dental concern.
Treating Gum Disease in Austin, TX
Dr. Wainwright can fix moderate to severe cases of gum disease with multiple surgical and non-surgical methods. Antibiotics, and scaling and root planing are non-surgical while flap surgery, bone grafting, and tissue regeneration are surgical methods.
Antibiotics help eliminate the bacteria that cause tooth infection in the first place. Scaling is a treatment dentists use in conjunction with root planing. Scaling is a deep cleaning performed in our office that removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar from all surfaces of the mouth. Root planing smooths out tooth roots to combat gum inflammation.
Patients may need flap surgery, wherein the dentist lifts the gum tissue to expose tooth roots and clean out bacteria more effectively. Bone grafting is for patients who have receding gums and uses transplanted bone to replace deteriorating jaw bone. Also, your dentist can help you prevent tooth loss using a tissue regeneration procedure to covers gums and keep teeth in place. To learn more about gum disease treatments at our office, see Periodontal Therapy.
Common Signs of Gum Disease
There are many signs and symptoms of gum disease that you should be aware of, including:
- Redness or swelling of the gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Abscesses (pus pockets) in the mouth
- Shifting teeth and wiggly teeth
- Loose teeth
- Gum recession
- Mouth sores
- Bite misalignment
- Halitosis (Bad breath)
Advanced and chronic gum disease can also increase a patient’s risk for heart problems including strokes, heart attacks, and cardiovascular disease. Call Austin Dental Care at 512-518-6392 if you think you may be developing periodontitis. It is important to treat gum disease early before symptoms worsen.
Routine dental care can greatly reduce your risk for periodontal disease, enabling our dental care team to monitor the condition of your gums and provide appropriate care in the early stages of infection.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
If I have bleeding gums, does that mean I have gum disease?
No. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of a couple of dental issues. For example, your gums can bleed because you brush too hard. Your gums can also bleed as a side-effect of certain medications. Consult with your dentist before assuming your diagnosis.
Do bleeding gums go away on their own?
Bleeding gums have the potential to heal on their own if the root cause of the issue is not gum disease or a similar cause. First, try brushing more gently and use mouthwash to see if your oral health routine is the cause. If not, schedule a dental exam with your dentist for a diagnosis.
Is bleeding gums treatment painful and invasive?
No. Most treatments for patients that have bleeding gums, but no other symptoms, include an oral rinse and scaling and root planing treatment. This does not involve extensive oral surgery.
How does salt water rinse heal gum infection?
Salt water rinse soothes gums and pulls infection out. The best way to make a saltwater rinse is with warm water and a half a teaspoon of salt. The salt draws infection out of the gums, while the warmth of the water soothes gums and reduces inflammation.
What Vitamin Are you lacking when your gums bleed?
If you are experiencing bleeding gums, it could be due to a vitamin deficiency. Your doctor can determine if you have low levels of vitamin C and K and prescribe the appropriate treatment. If they are low, it may be beneficial to take supplements to increase the levels in your body. In turn, this will help improve your gum health.
How can I rebuild my gums naturally?
Patients can strengthen and rebuild damaged gums at home with rinses and treatment. The best rinse to use is a saltwater rinse. This type of rinse soothes inflammation and draws infection out of the gums. You can also use the Oil Pulling method to break down plaque and bacteria around the gums. Additionally, aloe vera and green tea are also both very good for boosting gum health.
Should you brush your gums?
Yes, brushing your gums removes plaque and bacteria and strengthens your gum health! It is important to brush gums regularly in order to keep them healthy. Aggressive over brushing can cause teeth and gums to be sensitive, so be sure that you are gentle with your gums.
Request a Dental Consultation with our Dentist in Austin, TX
Dr. Wainwright is a dentist in Austin, Texas that helps patients fight tooth decay and gum recession. You can call Austin Dental Care at 512-518-6392. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Wainwright and his dental team on our website.