What Causes Sudden Gum Bleeding Without Brushing?
How Plaque Builds Up and Causes Gum Disease
Plaque is one of the most common problems people face with dental hygiene. When a patient doesn’t take proper care of their teeth, it results in bacterial buildup. A film is built up on the tooth and, without removal, becomes worse over time. If not handled, plaque buildup can cause gingivitis and eventually more serious gum diseases like periodontal disease. Plaque is most likely going to form near the gums and will cause the gums to become inflamed and swell up. Making scheduled visits to your dentist can help reduce plaque buildup and keep your gums healthy. Read below to learn about the causes of bleeding gums and how you can get emergency dental assistance.
Common Reasons Gum Bleeding Occurs
By knowing the more common causes of bleeding gums, you can be prepared. The most common cause for bleeding gums is also the least dangerous, which is brushing and flossing, especially too hard or with a toothbrush with very stiff bristles. Irregular oral care can cause your gums to become inflamed due to bacteria. By sticking to a consistent dental care routine, your gums will stay healthy! In general, poor oral care will result in plaque buildup, which causes bleeding gums. By sticking to an oral care routine, you can promote good gum health and prevent gum infection. Certain medications, like blood thinners, can cause gum bleeding. This likely will occur after beginning a new medication, so speak with your provider if you have concerns. In some cases, vitamin deficiencies, stress, bleeding disorders, pregnancy, and other health conditions can all cause bleeding gums. We’re much more concerned when gum bleeding occurs without brushing or flossing. Bacteria and plaque buildup cause gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that causes inflammation of the gums. When inflamed, the tissue that attaches your gums to your teeth may become puffy and bleed easily. As one of the more common causes of bleeding gums, gingivitis can often be treated with improved oral care. Continue reading to learn more about periodontitis, a less common and more advanced gum disease that causes infection and can damage your teeth permanently.
How Gingivitis Leads to Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis is the most common issue for unexpected bleeding from the gums. Gingivitis is a gum disease that occurs when poor oral care results in plaque buildup. Where the gum tissue meets the tooth, bacteria and inflammation can cause the gums to occasionally bleed. Like previously stated, gingivitis is treatable with a stricter oral care regimen to prevent plaque buildup and keep gums healthy. Periodontal disease begins once gingivitis goes untreated and continues to worsen. Localized bleeding will occur as the gums separate from the teeth along the gum line. As plaque continues to harden, it will become tartar, which is a more serious problem that needs to be addressed by a professional. As periodontal disease becomes more serious, infection can spread, which can permanently damage teeth. In serious cases that go untreated for too long, patients can lose teeth entirely. If you’re concerned about periodontal disease and are experiencing chronic bleeding, seek dental care immediately. If you need same-day care, contact Buckeye Immediate Dental to ensure you’re seeing a dentist as soon as possible.
Should You Seek Emergency Dental Care?
Occasionally, your gums will bleed from a cut, aggressive brushing, inconsistent flossing, etc. These one-off problems with temporary localized irritation shouldn’t be alarming. It’s important to know when the health of your gums becomes a more immediate problem that needs addressing. If random bleeding occurs for multiple days and is not caused by brushing, you should speak with a dentist. There are other signs to look for, mostly around the gums. If you’re seeing inflammation or unusual redness along your gums, this could be an indicator of gingivitis or another underlying health condition. If you are experience fowl breath, even with good oral care and rinsing, there is likely an infection or bacterial buildup. Anytime gums appear to separate from your teeth, this is a clear indicator that something is wrong, and you should seek dental advice. Contact your dentist, or reach out to Buckeye Immediate Dental to make an appointment or seek emergency care.
Prevent Buildup and Promote Gum Health
Most gum issues are preventable with good dental care and routine visits to a dentist. Plaque buildup, tartar, random bleeding, periodontal disease, and other gum diseases typically are a result of poor dental care. Brush your teeth twice per day to reduce plaque buildup. It’s important to use a soft-bristle toothbrush to prevent your gums from getting cut while brushing. Flossing is a commonly skipped step in many dental care routines, but it is crucial to the health of your teeth. Diet plays a large role in the health of your teeth and gums, especially foods that cause cavities and eat away at enamel. Foods and drinks high in sugar and acid can break down the enamel of your teeth over time, and can cause health problems with your gums. By replacing sugary foods with fruits and vegetables, you are less likely to develop problems with your gums. Be sure to see your dentist twice a year for cleanings and to ensure you have healthy teeth and gums!
Buckeye Immediate Dental Services
Located near the Ohio University campus, Buckeye Immediate Dental offers both appointment-based and emergency care. Stop in for emergency extractions, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, emergency x-rays, emergency exams, and more. We understand the importance of emergency dental care, and you may not always be able to see your primary dentist. Contact Buckeye Immediate Dental to learn more about our services and how we can help with your dental emergency.
Get Emergency Treatment Today
If you’re experiencing uncontrolled or chronic bleeding, radiating pain around a tooth, uncontrollable pain and severe discomfort, or have visible damage, don’t wait to get medical help. Buckeye Immediate Dental provides emergency dental services to patients who can’t wait for medical assistance. If you’re unsure whether you’re facing a dental emergency, contact our office to speak with someone.