Should You Visit an Emergency Dentist for Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which requires treatment from an emergency dentist. Getting urgent care enables the dentist to diagnose the cause of the bleeding and perform any appropriate treatments.

How an emergency dentist treats bleeding gums

Bleeding gums is often a symptom of the first stage of gum disease: gingivitis. Gum disease is still reversible at this point, so early detection is imperative. An emergency dentist can perform appropriate treatments, like teeth cleanings, to help combat the infection.

Bacteria in the mouth cause gum disease. These germs create plaque, which turns into tartar when left on teeth for more than 24 hours. These tartar deposits cannot be removed by brushing, and they eventually start accumulating on teeth roots and gum pockets.

This triggers a response from the immune system to fight the bacteria in these deposits. This is what leads to the inflammation caused by gum disease.

Other symptoms of gingivitis include gum recession, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath. If left untreated, gingivitis evolves into periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. Periodontitis is irreversible, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It can lead to permanent damage being done to teeth and gum structures. Risk factors that increase a person’s risk of developing bleeding gums include:

• Smoking
• Poor oral hygiene
• Hormone imbalances
• Taking anticoagulant drugs
• Diabetes
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Heart disease

Most people will have bleeding gums at some point. It is not always a sign of gum disease, but a emergency dentist should still check it out. Ways that a dentist can help treat gingivitis include the following.

1. Educating patients about oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is one of the most significant factors that lead to gum disease. Not taking proper care of the mouth leads to more plaque and tartar forming on teeth. One of the most effective ways to help reverse the condition is by getting patients to improve their commitment to dental hygiene.

2. Teeth cleaning

Teeth cleaning treatments help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. They can also help reverse gingivitis. The treatments involve using a dental tool to remove plaque and tartar deposits on teeth surfaces. These deposits can cause infection in the patient’s gum tissues. The American Dental Association recommends getting teeth cleaned at least twice per year, but people with gingivitis might need to get them cleaned more often.

3. Deep cleaning

Also known as root scaling and planing, this procedure can stop gingivitis in its tracks. It is a more comprehensive form of teeth cleaning. It involves removing tartar from the teeth and their roots. Teeth roots are also polished during the procedure to prevent future tartar buildup.

Get emergency care for bleeding gums

Do you often notice blood in your saliva after brushing? It might be a sign of gum disease. Give us a call or visit our Phoenix clinic to set up an appointment with our emergency dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://modernsmilesaz.com or call Modern Smiles Family Dentistry at (602) 362-7065 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Phoenix, AZ.