Oftentimes, when brushing your teeth or flossing, you may notice that your gums bleed. If this is a frequent occurrence, you may be seeing the early signs of gum disease. Now, it may be likely that you are simply cleaning your teeth a little too exuberant. But, if the bleeding happens more often than not, you should come in for an evaluation.
Gingivitis is the term used for the early stages of gum disease. It occurs when plaque is allowed to build up along the gumline. A buildup of plaque is a bacteria-filled irritant that if left alone will grow and produce toxins that may cause bleeding, soreness, swelling, and redness of the gums. These are the signs you should watch for and report to your dentist.
The way that you fight gingivitis and plaque buildup is to follow a regular oral hygiene ritual of toothbrushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing at least one time a day, and regular (every six months) visits to your dentist for professional cleanings and monitoring. These precautions will keep gum disease at bay and allow us to treat you before it can progress into anything serious.
If you would like to speak to our dentist about bleeding gums, call Dr. Ryan Bailey and our helpful team at Open Door Family Dentistry. Phone: 541-479-5505. Make an appointment or come by our office in Grants Pass, Oregon.