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You are not alone if you experience bleeding gums when brushing your teeth. You might not realize that bleeding gums are not normal and are a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. The gums may become inflamed and appear brighter red. Improper brushing and flossing can irritate your gums further and cause bleeding. It might be time to check in with your dentist.

How gingivitis develops

Most people know that brushing and flossing the teeth is important for gum health. Many do not realize they are not doing a good job of brushing and flossing. Other factors, such as a poor diet or pregnancy, can also cause or worsen gingivitis. When treatment at home is not helping to improve symptoms, a trip to the dentist may be necessary.

Treatments that help with bleeding gums

The dentist has the tools and the knowledge to perform a deep dental cleaning. Even conscientious brushers can miss food particles and debris. Over time, plaque develops and can harden into tartar. The dentist has tools that can remove this buildup along the gumline. Regular deep cleanings promote healthier gums and can reduce the inflammation that causes bleeding gums.

Sometimes, the dentist will opt to perform root planing. This is when the dentist removes bacterial buildup below the surface of the gum. The dentist focuses on the roots of the teeth. There are several tools a dentist may use to target the roots of the teeth. The dentist can perform root planing below the surface before those problems lead to deeper infections or abscesses.

Some people have damaged or missing teeth. Gum health can suffer with damaged or diseased teeth. The dentist can remove those teeth and place bridgework or an implant. Restorative dental work improves gum health by making it easier for patients to care for their oral health.

With more advanced problems

For some people, gingivitis has progressed to a more serious gum disease. When this happens, the dentist will recommend more intensive corrective dental work. These corrective procedures may involve surgery. Dentists can help patients with advanced gum disease restore pink and healthy gums.

When plaque builds up and hardens, it becomes tartar. Tartar can accumulate in the tooth pocket, out of reach of a person’s toothbrush or floss. The dentist may need to cut into the gums and remove the tartar from around the tooth. Sometimes, the dentist will smooth down irregular surfaces to prevent future buildup. Next, the dentist will place the gums around the tooth to decrease the ability of bacteria to build up.