If you are living with tender, bleeding gums, you might be concerned about your teeth every time you brush, floss, or rinse. However, you don’t have to live worrying about your smile. Here is a little more information about what causes bleeding gums and how your dentist can help. 

Understanding Why Gums Bleed

What Causes Bleeding Gums? 

When plaque and tartar accumulate on your teeth, they feed and harbor bacteria that emit acids and toxins as they grow and multiply. These byproducts irritate the gum tissue, creating an inflammatory reaction that creates redness, swelling, and tenderness. Eventually, the gums can even pull away from the teeth, causing recession. 

Gums can also bleed because of medications, hormonal changes, infections, or certain lifestyle habits like smoking and drinking. Fortunately, bleeding gums is a highly treatable condition, and making a few changes to your daily schedule can help to ward off this uncomfortable occurrence. For example, using a power toothbrush and flossing daily could help you to remove more plaque, and avoiding smoking could improve gum tissue health. 

How Can Your Dentist Help?

In addition to cleaning the surfaces of your teeth to eliminate bacteria, dentists can also evaluate your medical history to detect changes that could be causing the problem. If you have gingivitis or early periodontal disease, your doctor may also prescribe special mouthwashes to kill bacteria and prevent bleeding. 

If you have been struggling with bleeding gums, contact the professionals at Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic. Since their inception more than 30 years ago, Dr. Michael Kersey, D.D.S., has focused on setting an excellent standard of dental care while keeping costs low. From routine exams to root canals, bridges, and full smile restorations, this team of professionals is sure to make you happy. To learn more about their practice, visit them online or call (870) 625-3262.