Bleeding Gums: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2019
What are bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums are also known as a gum disease. Bleeding on probing which is also known as bleeding gums or gingival bleeding is a term used by dentists and dental hygienists when referring to bleeding that is induced by gentle manipulation of the tissue at the depth of the gingival sulcus, or interface between the gingiva and a tooth. Bleeding on probing, often abbreviated BOP, is a sign of inflammation and indicates some sort of destruction and erosion to the lining of the sulcus or the ulceration of sulcular epithelium The blood comes from lamina propria after the ulceration of the lining.
The best bleeding gums treatment is to remove from your teeth the plaque bacteria that causes gum disease. When dental plaque builds up, it turns into tartar, a hard, sticky substance that adheres to your teeth. Without regular teeth cleanings, dental tartar can become a breeding ground for even more plaque, which can creep below the gum line and lead to an infection that causes bleeding gums.So if you notice that you have bleeding gums, see a dentist as soon as you as possible. Seeking bleeding gums treatment at the first sign of a problem can help reverse gingivitis and help prevent periodontal disease.
How is the treatment done?
The best way to stop bleeding gums is to see your dentist. Your dentist can give you tips on how to stop bleeding gums in between dental visits. That advice might include some of the following tips:Use a soft toothbrush and brush properly! If you have bleeding gums, visit a dentist. A dentist is the expert you can count on to explain the causes of bleeding gums and to advise a treatment plan.Other treatment options, such as scaling and root planing procedures, slow down the process of gum disease. If you suffer from an advanced form of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend ongoing bleeding gums treatment or periodontal therapy. In some cases, dental surgery may be needed to control the bleeding.Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and after meals.
Hard brushing can further damage the soft tissues of your mouth.Floss at least once a day and be sure to floss beyond the gum line to remove more plaque.Control bleeding by applying pressure to the area with a cold compress.Rinse with salt water or hydrogen peroxide to keep the area clean. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth.
Stay away from smoking and other tobacco products, which can aggravate bleeding gums.Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking between meals. Carbohydrates and sugars feed dental plaque.Try an oral irrigation device, commonly known as a "water pick," to clear debris from around the gum line.Have your dentures aligned as needed.
Who is eligible for the treatment?
Rarely, bleeding gums may be a symptom of other problems pertaining to your mouth or body. While bleeding gums are usually a good signal that you have gum disease, causes of bleeding gums can also result from:Brushing too hard,A vitamin deficiency,Taking blood thinners or other medications,Bleeding or clotting disorders,Hormonal changes during pregnancy, resulting in pregnancy gingivitis,Dentures that don't fit,Mouth sores.Other medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, leukaemia or scurvy
Who is not eligible for the treatment?
If you are facing a problem of chipped tooth or dark toothier cold sores also known as fever blisters then the type of treatment would be different than the treatment for bleeding gums. Hence, it is very important to diagnose the type of dental problem by consulting a doctor who can guide you with the right treatment and medicines to prevent gum disease related problems and help maintain good dental hygiene.
Are there any side effects?
Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or floss around them. If your gums bleed, then you are either:Not brushing and flossing often enough,Not brushing or flossing adequately or Suffering from a systemic condition (such as anaemia)Properly brushing and flossing will help in decreasing the gum related problems. Hence, it is recommended to regularly consult a dentist to checkup on your dental health.You must practice proper oral hygiene to treat gingivitis. You should also cut back on any smoking and control your diabetes.Make certain to eat a balanced diet and visit the dentist regularly. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss your teeth every day to not face any side effects.
What are the post-treatment guidelines?
Proper care of gums should be taken care by Use a soft toothbrush -- and brush properly! Brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day and after meals. Hard brushing can further damage the soft tissues of your mouth.Floss at least once a day and be sure to floss beyond the gum line to remove more plaque.Control bleeding by applying pressure to the area with a cold compress.Rinse with salt water or hydrogen peroxide to keep the area clean. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can dry out your mouth.
Stay away from smoking and other tobacco products, which can aggravate bleeding gums.Eat a balanced diet and limit snacking between meals. Carbohydrates and sugars feed dental plaque.Try an oral irrigation device, commonly known as a "water pick," to clear debris from around the gum line.Have your dentures aligned as needed.By following all the above measures you are less likely to face problem of bleeding gums.
How long does it take to recover?
Classic bleeding gums symptoms take approximately 10 to 14 days to heal. Even with proper treatment the conditions will continue to exist for several days. Be patient and wait at least two weeks before expecting complete reversal of symptoms. If your gums do not seem to be healing, you may have periodontal (gum) disease and need professional care to cleanse the area.
It is quite possible that even with effective care you could still experience bleeding during brushing or flossing. If you are anaemic consider taking an iron supplement and watching your diet more closely.
What is the price of the treatment in India?
The price range for treatment of bleeding gums range from Rs.5000 to Rs.7000 depending upon the severity of the problem.
Are the results of the treatment permanent?
It is recurring.Rinse with a pure mouthwash. When your mouth is trying to heal, it needs all the extra help it can get. Rinsing is one of the best ways to kill excess bacteria and help promote a healthy environment in your mouth. It’s best to rinse twice per day, after brushing and/or flossing. Be sure to swish and gargle thoroughly to help kill the bacteria in the entire mouth including the back of the tongue. It’s best to avoid alcohol-containing mouthwashes, because they can try out the mouth. Receive routine preventive care from your dentist regularly.
References
- Bleeding gums- Medline Plus, Health Topics, NIH, U.S. National Library of Medicine [Internet]. medlineplus.gov 2019 [Cited 18 July 2019]. Available from:
- Gum Disease- NHS inform [Internet]. nhsinform.scot 2019 [Cited 18 July 2019]. Available from:
- Health Tip: Care For Bleeding Gums- MSD Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. msdmanuals.com 2019 [Cited 18 July 2019]. Available from:
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