Don't Let Bleeding Gums Steal Your Valentine's Day Smile

If you’re ignoring that tinge of red when you rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth, you might be missing a big red flag for gum disease. Bleeding gums aren’t normal, and they shouldn’t be ignored. 

As Valentine’s Day approaches, February is a great time to give your gums a little extra love. The team at Periodontist of Weston in Weston, Miramar, Cooper City, and Pembroke Pines, Florida, is here to help you improve your gum health and get started on a path toward a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

What causes bleeding gums?

Several factors can contribute to bleeding gums. Issues like diabetes, blood-clotting disorders, high stress levels, certain vitamin deficiencies, and hormone fluctuation are all possible culprits. But the most common cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis, which is the early stage of gum disease. 

Your gums adhere to the sides of your teeth to create a strong barrier between the environment within your mouth and your bloodstream. Plaque is a sticky type of film that’s filled with bacteria. 

Plaque builds up on your teeth every day. Brushing your teeth and gums removes plaque, but if any is left behind, it will eventually harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.  

Plaque also causes gum inflammation, which can cause your gum tissue to pull away from the surfaces of your teeth. This leaves small pockets or spaces beneath the gumline, which is the perfect environment for plaque and bacteria to thrive. 

Irritated gums are more likely to bleed, especially when you brush and floss. If you’ve been seeing red or pink when you rinse your mouth after brushing or flossing, you might have gingivitis. 

What’s the best way to treat gingivitis?

In most cases, gingivitis can be improved and even eliminated by improving your dental hygiene routines. Begin by booking a dental exam and professional cleaning at Periodontist of Weston. This allows Dr. Segal to examine your teeth and gums and determine if gum disease or any other issues are present. 

Your cleaning removes all traces of plaque and tartar, giving you a fresh slate to begin your renewed dental hygiene efforts. While you’re here, our hygienists can give you a quick refresher course on optimal brushing and flossing techniques. 

Brushing twice a day helps keep your teeth free of plaque, and flossing at night removes plaque and food particles from the areas between your teeth where brushing can’t reach. 

If your gums are very swollen, you might need to use a special mouth rinse to further cut down on bacteria and give your gums a chance to heal. 

This Valentine’s Day, show your gums some love

February brings Valentine’s Day, a holiday that reminds us of the power of love. Self-love is also well worth consideration, and something that brings great comfort and contentment. 

Caring for your dental health is a wonderful way to support your overall health and wellness. If you’re concerned about signs of bleeding gums, don’t delay seeking treatment. Once gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis to periodontitis, it becomes more complicated to treat. 

When you’re ready to take control of your dental health and hygiene, we’re ready to lend a helping hand. The team at Periodontist of Weston welcomes you to give us a call to book your visit. We also offer online booking, giving you one more way to review appointment availability.