It can be a bit scary to find blood on your toothbrush in the morning. But biting into an apple or an orange and leaving blood behind is even worse. Neither situation is ideal, and both could scare you out of a year’s growth, but there’s a simple explanation in most instances. Your gums are bleeding, and more often than not, it means you might have a form of gum disease—time to schedule a dental appointment at Lovett Dental Katy.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is another way of saying you have inflammation in your gums. This inflammation can be due to an infection, but even if it’s not, it means your gums may be swollen, red, and painful. The most common form of gum disease is gingivitis, and it’s easily cured. Your dentist will tell you to step up your dental hygiene game and will give you several sound recommendations, Including:
- Brush at least twice a day.
- Floss regularly.
- Schedule regular appointments for cleaning
- Use mouthwash regularly
Take better care of your teeth and gums to get rid of gingivitis and its symptoms. If you fail to address bleeding gums, however, gingivitis may turn into periodontitis.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease, and it happens when you continue to neglect your dental hygiene. Periodontitis may cause severe consequences that include:
- Swollen, painful gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Lost teeth
- Bone and tissue damage
- Bad breath
Generally, this form of gum disease is more advanced. It causes more damage because your oral health is on the decline. It’s more difficult to recover from periodontitis consequences because it may mean replacing teeth you’ve lost to the disease.
Your dentist can help you avoid periodontitis if you keep regular appointments and follow his advice at home. Good oral health is necessary to keep a bright smile, and it begins and ends with good oral care habits.
Other Causes of Bleeding Gums
It’s important to make a dental appointment when you first notice signs of bleeding gums. Generally, this is a symptom of gum disease, but it could be caused by something more serious, too. Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, leukemia, or hemophilia may all cause gums to bleed. Vitamin deficiency can do the same. All are medical conditions that require treatment, and pain, swelling, or bleeding inside your mouth could be one of the first indicators. You could literally save your own life by seeking the advice of a dentist when you’re in the early stages of chronic disease. So, pay attention the next time you notice traces of blood on your toothbrush or in the sink after brushing.
Lovett Dental Katy Can Help With Bleeding Gums
For those living in and around the area of Katy, Texas, Lovett Dental Katy is a great place to learn how to develop healthy oral care habits. We treat every family member, from infants to elderly adults, with the friendly and experienced dental care you deserve. Our dentists are highly qualified to perform routine services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more. And we have specialists on staff if you need emergency dental treatment or oral surgery. Lovett Dental Katy also offers convenient office hours that begin early and stay open late, so we’re always there when you need us — even on Saturdays.
If you’re struggling with painful, bleeding gums, call today at 832-437-6477 to schedule an appointment. We’ll get you in quickly, take care of your oral health issues, and get you out again in time to enjoy the rest of your day. You and your family will love the Lovett Dental Katy experience.
