Bleeding gums can be a sign of a much bigger problem in your mouth. All too often bleeding gums are dismissed as brushing or flossing too hard. While it’s true, trauma can cause gums to bleed, frequent bleeding is generally due to something else. The number one cause of bleeding gums is the build up of plaque along and below the gum line. This condition is called gingivitis or periodontal disease depending on it’s severity. Gingivitis is easily treatable, a cleaning with your favorite hygienist will do the trick! Periodontal disease is an advanced stage of gingivitis and is more difficult to treat. It will require many appointments with your hygienist for root planing and scaling. This is done with anesthetic, so it’s not as awful as it sounds! If you are still experiencing bleeding gums after receiving a good dental check up, it could be something other than poor dental hygiene. Bleeding gums could indicate a vitamin K or C deficiency, a bleeding disorder, leukemia, or poor fitting dentures. Blood thinners can also cause gums to bleed. Another explanation for bleeding gums are hormone changes, like those associated with pregnancy. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, schedule an appointment right away to have your teeth cleaned. You want to catch any sort of gum disease as early as possible! To schedule an appointment with Sandy, Maia, Robin or Lori click HERE or call 952-938-7746.