Sore or Bleeding Gums? You May Need a Periodontist

Sore or bleeding gums are never normal. If you see blood on your toothbrush after brushing your teeth or your gums are sore or inflamed, these are signs of a problem that could lead to serious health issues. Ignoring them could lead to infections and eventual tooth loss.

Why are My Gums Sore or Bleeding?

The most common cause of sore or bleeding gums is gingivitis, the precursor to gum disease. Gingivitis is a chronic inflammation of the gums caused by plaque build-up, a sticky film on the teeth and in the gum pockets around the base of the teeth. Left untreated, gingivitis leads to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that leads to severe complications.

Other causes of sore or bleeding gums could include overly aggressive brushing, medication side effects, and certain diseases such as diabetes. However, any of these can also contribute to gingivitis.

Do I Have Gum Disease?

Gingivitis is considered the only reversible stage of gum disease, but if left untreated, it will progress. Moderate, Severe, and Advanced Periodontitis are the next three stages, each of which is increasingly severe. Treatment for these ranges from scaling and root planing to surgical intervention. The last stage of gum disease is the most severe and is a chronic condition that can be managed but not cured.

Signs You Need to See a Periodontist

Because bleeding or sore gums usually indicate gingivitis or other oral health problems, it is essential to have them evaluated by a dentist or periodontist. If you have any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office without delay:

• Bleeding while brushing or eating normal foods is the most common sign of a periodontal infection. Unexplained bleeding while performing regular cleaning or eating is the most common sign of a periodontal infection.
• Chronic bad breath. Chronic halitosis (bad breath) can point to periodontitis, gingivitis, or the beginnings of a gum infection.
• Loose teeth and gum recession. Longer-looking and loose-feeling teeth can indicate recession of the gums and/or bone loss due to periodontal disease.
• Related health concerns. Patients with heart disease, diabetes, osteopenia, or osteoporosis are often diagnosed with correlating periodontal infections. The bacterial infection can spread through the bloodstream, affecting other areas of the body.

How We Can Help: Expert Gum Disease Treatment

There are effective treatments available for gum disease. If you have bleeding or painful gums and are worried about how to fix gum disease, your first step should be to schedule an appointment with one of our periodontists. We will develop a personalized treatment plan and advise you on how to care for your teeth and gums at home to improve their condition in conjunction with your treatment at our office. Treatment options may include:

• Scaling and Root Planing: These non-surgical treatments remove plaque and bacteria from the gum pockets and below the gum line. For some patients who are prone to gum disease recurrence, we may recommend scaling and root planing as part of a regular periodontal maintenance program.
• Antibiotics – Oral or topical antibiotics are needed when gum infections are widespread or resistant to other treatments.
• Laser Periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that targets infected gum tissue. It eliminates bacteria without damaging surrounding healthy tissue and promotes healthy tissue regeneration.
• Pocket Reduction Surgery—An incision is made in the gums, and infected tissue, tartar, and plaque are removed. The gums are then sutured closed, and the size of the gum pockets is reduced to minimize the chance of reinfection. Surgery is usually reserved for moderate to advanced periodontitis.
• Bone or Gum Grafting – Reserved for the most advanced cases of gum disease, bone or gum grafting restores tissue lost to gum disease by grafting new bone or gum tissue into the area from either another area of the mouth or from a donor.

How Can I Soothe Gums with Gum Disease?

Although you cannot cure gum disease without seeing a dental professional, you can minimize discomfort and reduce bacterial impact on your gums with a few home remedies. Try the following between appointments to minimize any pain or swelling:

• Saltwater rinses: Swishing warm salt water around your mouth for 30 seconds twice a day reduces inflammation and harmful bacteria. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
• Aloe vera gel: To reduce swelling, gently massage your gums with aloe vera gel (available at most drugstores). Aloe vera has natural antimicrobials.
• Tea tree oil: One or two drops of tea tree oil added to coconut oil can be applied to your gums for its antibacterial effect. However, never use it undiluted, as it can be irritating to delicate tissues.

Bleeding gums or gum inflammation are always signs that you need to see a periodontist or your dentist. We are always available to see new patients and do not need a referral from your dentist or doctor to evaluate you for periodontal disease. To relieve your pain and heal your gums, all it takes is a call to Northeast Philadelphia Periodontal Office Phone Number 215-676-0717 for an appointment.

Signs of Oral cancer

The inside of the mouth is normally lined with a special type of skin (mucosa) that is smooth and coral pink in color. Any alteration in this appearance could be a warning sign for a pathological process. The most serious of these is oral cancer.

The following are common signs of a pathologic process or cancerous growth:

• Reddish patches (erythroplasia) or whitish patches (leukoplakia) in the mouth.
• A sore that fails to heal, and bleeds easily.
• A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth.
• Chronic sore throat or hoarseness.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing.

These changes can be detected on the lips, cheeks, palate, and gum tissue around the teeth, tongue, face, and/or neck. Pain does not always occur with pathology and, curiously, is not often associated with oral cancer. However, any patient with facial and/or oral pain without an obvious cause or reason may also be at risk for oral cancer. We recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly.

Remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help: Philadelphia Northeast Philadelphia Periodontal Office Phone Number 215-676-0717 • Warminster Warminster Periodontal Office Phone Number 215-672-5515.

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