Dental implants can make a smile look fabulous – I know I have them. However, if you are just thinking about getting them, you may have a lot of questions. You may be wondering how smoking affects implants, whether or not wine will stain them, if they can be whitened or other concerns. I also know from experience that it can be intimidating to ask some of these questions to your dentist. In my dental implant blog, I am going to answer the questions that can be hard to ask. I hope you find the info you need in this blog and that it guides you to the right decision about dental implants. Thanks for reading!
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Banish Your Bleeding Gums: What You Need to Know
Isobel Berry
You might know the exact reason why your gums are bleeding. You might have inadvertently cut them while flossing, or had a slip of the hand while using a toothpick. It might also be that you have used your teeth to open some form of hard-edged plastic packaging (which is never wise, as it can easily damage your teeth). But what about when it's a complete mystery as to why your gums are bleeding? There are some common causes, and, fortunately, there are also some rather straightforward solutions.
Your Gumline
Does the bleeding appear to be coming from your gumline (the place where your teeth end and your gums begin)? If it's more noticeable when you brush, it might be the case that your toothbrush is simply too hard. Remember that you want to gently rub debris and the associated bacterial microfilm off your teeth, as opposed to scraping it off. Using a toothbrush that is too hard (along with vigorous brushing) can easily cut your gums. Try switching to a softer toothbrush. If the problem persists, see a dentist so that they can rule out gingivitis.
A Specific Spot
Is there a precise spot on your gums that seems to be bleeding? It might be that you have a small ulcer on your gum. If this does not heal of its own accord, your dentist will need to examine the area. While a dental abscess generally appears in conjunction with a degree of noticeable discomfort, an abscess-related pustule might have formed without causing this discomfort. This will not heal without antibiotics, and your dentist will need to address the cause of the abscess to prevent the issue from reoccurring.
A Small Cut or Abrasion
It might be that the cause for your bleeding gums is very minor, and you might be unaware of the origins of the problem. A small cut or abrasion will heal of its own accord, but if it doesn't do so, then you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. So it's really a case of carefully monitoring the status of any cuts or abrasions that you might find on your gums.
Proper Oral Hygiene
While a cut or abrasion is healing, you still need to practise proper oral hygiene. Take careful care when brushing the teeth in this section of your mouth. You might also want to use a salt water rinse. The antibacterial action of the salt water helps to keep the area clean, and it can be less abrasive than using standard mouthwash.
Remember that cuts or abrasions that don't heal within a timely fashion should be examined by your dentist, since some extra assistance might be needed to get the healing process underway.
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