How Can A Dentist Help With Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which is caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria on the teeth and gums.  Did you know that a dentist can help with bleeding gums?

A dentist can help by cleaning the teeth and gums, removing plaque and tartar, and providing advice on proper oral hygiene. In more advanced cases, a dentist may refer the patient to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum disease, for further treatment. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can also help prevent gum disease and bleeding gums.

In this blog we look at how a trip to the dentist could help your bleeding gums.

Cleanings and bleeding gums

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums, and when not removed it can harden into tartar. This build-up can lead to gum inflammation and bleeding.

A dental cleaning involves using specialised tools to remove the plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums, and smooth the root surfaces of the teeth to prevent further plaque build-up. This helps to reduce inflammation and bleeding, and can help prevent gum disease from getting worse.

Scaling and root planing

In cases of advanced gum disease, a dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, and smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to promote healing.

Medications for treating bleeding gums

A dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses to help control bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.

Dentist oral hygiene instruction to improve gum health

The dentist will provide oral hygiene instruction and recommend techniques, products and how often to brush and floss the teeth, to help the patient maintain good oral hygiene at home.

Oral hygiene instruction can help with bleeding gums by teaching proper techniques for cleaning teeth and gums. This includes guidance on how to brush and floss effectively, as well as the use of other oral hygiene aids such as interdental brushes or water flossers.

A dentist can also demonstrate the correct technique for brushing and flossing, and provide tips for addressing specific issues such as bleeding gums.

Referral to a periodontist for advanced dental care

If bleeding gums are caused by advanced gum disease, the patient may be referred to a periodontist, a specialist in the treatment of gum disease.

A periodontist can perform a thorough evaluation of the patient's oral health and determine the underlying cause of the bleeding gums.

Depending on the severity of the gum disease, a periodontist may recommend a range of treatments, including:

• Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to remove plaque and tartar build-up from the teeth and gums, and smooth the root surfaces of the teeth to prevent further plaque build-up
• The removal of infected tissue or repair damage caused by gum disease
• Antibiotics to control infection
• Medication to reduce inflammation and bleeding

The periodontist may also work closely with the general dentist to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes ongoing maintenance and monitoring to prevent recurrence of bleeding gums and gum disease.

Follow-up appointments at the dentist

The dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.  Regular follow-up visits and check-ups can also help ensure that  good oral hygiene is maintained and that any issues with bleeding gums are identified and addressed in a timely manner.

It's important to address bleeding gums as soon as possible, as they can be an early sign of gum disease - which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, good oral hygiene and following the dentist's recommendations can help prevent and treat bleeding gums.

Optimise Your Dental Routine Today!

Your teeth and gums are an important part of your overall appearance and confidence. Make their care a feature of your overall health and well being by getting solid and consistent oral hygiene practices in your day to day routine.

Want to learn more? Our dental practice can provide high quality dental care.

Call our friendly staff at Woodville & Seaton Dental Clinic on (08) 8268 5422 and book an appointment today!