Bleeding gums: causes and treatments | Sana Oris Dental Clinic, Paris 8

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums are a very common phenomenon, often caused by poor oral hygiene or gum inflammation. When bleeding gums are chronic, they can affect the long-term health of your teeth and mouth. When your gums bleed, it is important to take it seriously and consult your dentist. Only a specialist can determine the exact cause and prevent possible gum disease and other complications that could affect your teeth.

The different types of gum bleeding

The symptoms of bleeding gums vary in intensity, frequency, and duration. There are several types of bleeding gums, some of which are more serious than others.

Recurrent or chronic bleeding

If your gums bleed repeatedly within a short period of time, this should be taken seriously. This is referred to as recurrent (or chronic) gum bleeding, which is often a sign of bacterial gingivitis. Recurrent gum bleeding is common among the general population. It is caused by inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).

Temporary bleeding

Acute gum bleeding is occasional. If the bleeding stops quickly, there is no associated periodontal disease. In these cases, it is most often a mechanical problem that is to blame. In particular, brushing too aggressively or using a toothbrush with hard bristles. It is therefore necessary to brush your teeth regularly, using gentle movements and taking your time.

The various causes of chronic gum bleeding

There are various causes of gum bleeding. They may be temporary, linked to a poor-quality toothbrush, for example. However, recurrent gum bleeding can also hide other problems.

The most common cause of bleeding gums is bacterial inflammation, sometimes due to the accumulation of plaque around and between the teeth. In children, the causes of bleeding gums are almost always related to poor oral hygiene, particularly insufficient tooth brushing, which promotes the accumulation of dental plaque.

Gingivitis and bleeding

The causes of gingivitis are bacterial in origin. It is a common bacterial infection. Healthy gums are firm and pale pink in color. Gingivitis manifests itself as red, sensitive gums that are prone to bleeding when brushing teeth or using interdental brushes. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent gum inflammation from progressing to gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontitis and bleeding

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, which affects the tissues supporting the teeth. In this case, bleeding gums that are left untreated can lead to tooth loss. Early intervention by your periodontist is necessary to treat this infection and avoid complications affecting your overall oral health. Periodontitis is one of the main causes of bleeding gums and must be taken seriously.

Mouth ulcer or canker sore and bleeding

Mouth ulcers, better known as "canker sores," are sores on the surface of the mucous membrane in the mouth. Uncomfortable and often painful, they can sometimes cause bleeding gums.

Other factors contributing to gum bleeding

Various conditions can also cause bleeding gums, including:

  • Coagulation disorders
  • Platelet disorders
  • Diseases such as diabetes and cancer
  • Hormonal imbalances (especially in women during pregnancy)
  • Mercury poisoning

The use of certain anticoagulant medications is also likely to cause bleeding gums.
Bleeding gums are also common in people who wear braces, as the areas around the brackets and wires can trap more plaque, increasing the risk of gum inflammation.

How can gum bleeding be reduced?

To stop chronic gum bleeding and fight bacterial infections caused by bleeding gums, antiseptic medications in the form of gels or mouthwashes are often recommended. For long-term treatment, doctors sometimes prescribe vitamins.

When brushing your teeth, choosing a toothpaste that is suitable for your mouth is essential to reduce gum bleeding. It is recommended to choose a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive gums. These toothpastes are designed with antiseptic or anti-inflammatory ingredients that help soothe inflammation and strengthen the gums. A soft-bristled toothbrush is also beneficial for people with sensitive gums.

At the Sana Oris dental clinic, discover our comprehensive periodontal approach. This treatment addresses both bleeding gums and infection-related issues. It is important to remember that consulting a dentist remains the best solution for any recurrence of the disease and quickly improves the health of your gums and teeth.

We therefore emphasize the importance of annual periodontal checkups. These appointments help prevent gum bleeding and treat any associated periodontal disease.

Treatment for bleeding gums is based on an initial consultation involving several steps to establish a diagnosis.

  • The interview phase allows us to learn about your history, habits, and risk factors.
  • Clinical examination of the mouth and gums for aesthetic and functional issues, any dentures or implants, occlusion, areas of bleeding and suppuration, breath, tartar, tooth migration, tooth loosening, and gum recession, and assessment of tooth mobility.
  • Microscopic examination of dental plaque, which will be examined and interpreted immediately to identify any pathogenic bacteria present in the gums;
  • If periodontal disease is diagnosed, you will be given a report explaining the treatment and its cost.

If the gum bleeding is indeed related to a gum infection, the periodontist treating you will perform the following range of treatments:

  • Professional cleaning and polishing of tooth surfaces to remove supragingival tartar, smooth tooth surfaces, and clean stains without scratching the enamel.
  • Low-frequency sonic scaling and root planing assisted by LASER. This procedure aims to remove tartar and debris accumulated under the gums, which can cause bleeding.
  • Development of a personalized oral and dental hygiene prevention program to maintain dental health and the benefits of treatment.

Following treatment, gum bleeding can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle. A good dental hygiene routine is necessary, promoting regular brushing with a suitable toothbrush. To prevent bad breath, finish brushing with an antiseptic mouthwash and use dental floss. These products play a key role in preventing bleeding gums and maintaining good oral health.
Other tips for preventing bleeding gums include:

  • the use of dental floss
  • regular visits to the dentist
  • Avoid factors that can cause bleeding: smoking, alcohol consumption, and certain foods.

If bleeding gums are not caused by periodontal disease, consult your dentist. It is necessary to consult the specialists concerned with each condition.

Expected results after treatment

The treatment of bleeding gums offers different results depending on the cause of the bleeding. The holistic care you receive at our clinic, from periodontal assessment to regular check-ups and the various stages of treatment, helps to reduce bleeding gums in the long term, thereby preventing gum disease.

In cases of gum bleeding caused by tartar buildup, good oral hygiene and proper tooth brushing are sufficient to reduce the risk of gum bleeding. Taking care of your oral health can prevent recurrence in people with sensitive gums.

At Sana Oris, the personalized treatment for bleeding gums that we offer will help solve your gum bleeding problems.

Our team ensures that our patients maintain good oral health. To this end, we draw on the expertise of our dental surgeons who specialize in periodontics, such as Dr. Kohen, a pioneer in the field of periodontics.

The cost of treatment for bleeding gums

Following an initial consultation and periodontal assessment with your dentist, your practitioner and their team will provide you with a quote. This will be determined based on the condition being treated and the procedure required to treat your gums.

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