Bleeding Gums – Do I Need to be Worried?

Bleeding Gums – Do I Need to be Worried?

While it’s not an altogether uncommon complaint we hear from our dental patients, bleeding gums could be cause for concern.

If you have bleeding gums, it’s worth getting your teeth checked out by booking an appointment with your dentist. In the meantime, we have plenty of information to help you read up on the potential cause of bleeding gums, and how to minimise or manage your symptoms. It is important you don’t ignore these symptoms, as they are commonly associated with gum disease. Gum disease can lead to tooth movement and, eventually, tooth loss.

In this guide to bleeding gums, we’ll explain the link between bleeding gums and your dental health.

Bleeding Gums May be a Sign of Gum Disease

Unfortunately, gum disease is a startlingly common ailment that many people in the UK must deal with. In the 2021 Great British Oral Health Report, a national survey of dental health found that over half the UK population have some degree of gum disease.

Gum disease can take time to develop. It begins as a condition called gingivitis. This is a milder form of gum disease causing inflammation. Without proper treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis is even more of a cause for concern, as serious symptoms begin to appear. Periodontitis is an irreversible condition, while the effects of gingivitis can be reversed.

Periodontitis and gingivitis are both forms of gum disease that need treatment. It’s best to deal with symptoms as soon as they begin. This can help to avoid the irreversible effects of periodontitis, where tooth loss becomes a real possibility.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing. This is one of the earliest signs of gum disease and should not be ignored.

• Gums are swollen, inflamed, or tender.

• Miscoloured gums that appear darker pink or red.

• Receding gums. You may notice your gums appear to be pulling away from your teeth, or ‘shrinking’.

• Bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. We can get bad breath for a variety of reasons, though it’s often solved when we brush, floss, and use mouthwash. If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t budge despite upping your oral hygiene habits, have your dentist check for signs of gum disease.

• Loose teeth. If your gums recede, this means the tissue holding your teeth in place is no longer able to offer the structural support they need. Your teeth may even fall out.

Other Health Problems Associated with Bleeding Gums

If your gums are bleeding and your dentist cannot find a reasonable explanation for your symptoms, you should book an appointment with your doctor. This is because bleeding gums can indicate other health problems.

• Leukaemia
• HIV / AIDS
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal fluctuations
• Side effects caused by some prescribed medications and treatments

We often forget just how interconnected our oral and general health can be. Working with both your doctor and your dentist can give useful insights into your overall health, helping us to offer a more effective and holistic approach when dealing with issues such as gum disease.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Bleeding Gums…

As we’ve mentioned, bleeding gums may be a sign of gum disease. The faster you seek treatment to deal with your symptoms and figure out the cause of the problem, the more likely it is that we can reverse the effects of any serious dental conditions.

As gum disease progresses, the irreversible impact of the symptoms it causes can lead to tooth loss. Your teeth may fall out on their own, or you may need to have them extracted by the dentist. Tooth extraction is not an uncommon practice. 3 in 4 – or 74% – of UK adults have had to have a tooth extracted, for whatever reason.

It’s vital that we look after our teeth as best we can, addressing any concerning symptoms as soon as they begin. Hopefully, we can eventually lower these unfortunate statistics and maintain good dental health throughout adulthood.

How to Prevent Bleeding Gums and Gum Disease

Gum disease is a preventable condition. With the staggering prevalence of gum disease in the UK today, it’s evident many of us aren’t adequately looking after our teeth. This may be for reasons beyond our control, such as a lack of access to dental care or finances. However, there are some preventative measures that we can control:

• Regular visits to a dental hygienist can uplift your oral hygiene, using professional tools and expertise to thoroughly cleanse your teeth and gums.
  
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eating well, avoiding too much sugar, and taking care of your overall health can reduce the possibility of gum disease.
  
• Good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing your teeth, and using mouthwash are all habits that work to improve oral health.

Book an Appointment with Ringway Dental Today

It’s normal to be worried if you have bleeding gums, as this may suggest you have gum disease. However, remember that bleeding gums aren’t always due to serious concerns. Minor habits, such as brushing your teeth too hard, could be causing your gums to bleed.

We recommend you have your oral health investigated by a reputable dentist if you are worried or experiencing concerning symptoms. At Ringway Dental, we believe everyone should be able to access quality dental care, provided by experts that offer a reassuring and welcoming service. We offer 0% interest-free financing options for those that are eligible, helping our patients manage the cost of private treatments.

If you are experiencing bleeding gums or have any other dental health concerns, get in touch. Our dedicated team of experienced dentists and hygienists will help identify the underlying cause behind your bleeding gums, providing a bespoke treatment plan designed to restore your oral health – and your smile.

Call us now on 0161 437 2029, or fill out our online contact form if you’d like us to get back to you.

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