Mint Hill Smiles

Dentist in Mint Hill, NC

Why Are My Gums Bleeding? Causes and What to Do | Mint Hill Smiles

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If your gums bleed when you brush or floss

It is worth understanding why, because bleeding gums are the most common early sign of gum disease, and gum disease is far easier to address early than late.

What bleeding gums usually mean

The most common cause is gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, caused by plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline that irritates the tissue. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with professional cleaning and good home care. Less commonly, bleeding gums can relate to brushing too hard, a new flossing routine, certain medications, hormonal changes, or other health conditions.

What to do: Do not stop brushing and flossing the area, which is a common mistake. Gentle, consistent cleaning is part of how the tissue heals. Use a soft-bristled brush. And come in for an evaluation and cleaning, especially if the bleeding has been going on for more than a week or two.

Call (704) 323-7577 to get scheduled.

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Bleeding gums are usually an early, reversible sign of gum disease. They are your body signaling inflammation. Addressed early, the problem is very manageable. Ignored over time, gum disease can progress to bone loss and tooth loss.

No. Bleeding when you start flossing often means the gums are inflamed and need more consistent cleaning, not less. Keep flossing gently and the bleeding usually improves within a week or two. If it does not, come in.

Gingivitis-stage bleeding often improves with consistent home care, but a professional cleaning to remove tartar buildup is usually needed to fully resolve it, since tartar cannot be brushed away.

Let Us Get Your Gums Healthy

We serve patients from Mint Hill, Matthews, Indian Trail, Stallings, Weddington, Midland, Albemarle, and southeast Charlotte, NC. We accept most major insurance plans including Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and United Healthcare.

Call (704) 323-7577 or visit minthillsmiles.dentist to schedule. We are at 11300 Cresthill Drive, Suite 105, Mint Hill, NC 28227.

Your gums are the foundation everything else rests on. We are going to take good care of them.

Book your appointment today