Bleeding Gums

Fix Bleeding Gums in Birmingham

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR GUMS BLEED WHEN BRUSHING OR FLOSSING

If you have noticed blood in the sink after brushing or pinkness on your floss, it is important to seek an appointment with your dental team. Bleeding gums are a primary sign of inflammation and, if left unaddressed, can lead to more serious issues such as gum recession or tooth loss. Common causes include the buildup of plaque bacteria along the gum line or “tartar” that cannot be removed by brushing alone.

At Acorn Dental, we’re committed to helping you stop the bleeding and restore your gum health as quickly as possible. Don’t delay—treating bleeding gums early is the best way to prevent the progression of gum disease and ensure the long-term stability of your smile.

How to Manage Bleeding Gums at Home

Bleeding gums are a sign that your body is trying to fight off an infection. If you cannot see a dentist immediately, there are several steps you can take to manage the inflammation:

• Don’t Stop Brushing: It may seem counterintuitive, but you must continue to brush the bleeding areas gently to remove the bacteria causing the irritation.

• Use Interdental Brushes: Cleaning between the teeth is essential, as this is where most bleeding starts. Use the correct size brush for your gaps to clear away trapped plaque.

• Anti-Bacterial Mouthwash: Consider using a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine for a short period to help reduce the bacterial load in your mouth.

• Check Your Technique: Ensure you are brushing at a 45-degree angle toward the gum line to effectively clean the “pocket” where the gum meets the tooth.

• Book a Hygiene Session: Schedule an appointment with our hygienists as soon as possible for a professional “Scale and Polish” to remove the hardened deposits causing the bleeding.

Our Dentist Will Stop Your Gums from Bleeding

At Acorn Dental, our skilled hygienists and dentists will perform a detailed gum health screen to identify exactly where the inflammation is occurring. If the issue is in the early stages (Gingivitis), we can typically resolve the bleeding with a professional hygiene deep clean and a bespoke home-care plan. For persistent bleeding or more advanced cases, additional treatments such as periodontal pocket cleaning or laser gum therapy may be necessary to restore your health.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

While gingivitis is the early inflammation of the gums, Periodontal Disease is a more serious infection that spreads below the gum line to the structures supporting your teeth. If left untreated, the “pockets” between the teeth and gums deepen, leading to the destruction of the jawbone and, eventually, tooth loss.

Because periodontal disease is often “silent”—meaning it doesn’t always cause intense pain—it is vital to look out for secondary symptoms such as receding gums, a metallic taste in the mouth, or teeth that feel slightly loose.

Our Specialist Approach to Periodontics

At Acorn Dental, we don’t just clean your teeth; we manage the health of the foundation they sit on. For patients with advanced gum disease, our team provides:

• Deep Scaling & Root Surface Debridement: Meticulously removing plaque and tartar from deep beneath the gum line to allow the tissue to heal.

• Periodontal Pocket Mapping: Using precise measurements to track the depth of your gum pockets and monitor your improvement.

• Bespoke Maintenance Plans: Creating a tailored schedule of visits to keep the infection stable and prevent future bone loss.

Take Action for Your Gum Health

If you’re concerned about bleeding gums, receding gum lines, or persistent bad breath, don’t wait. Contact Acorn Dental for expert care and a gentle, thorough approach. With our three locations in Moseley, Barnt Green, and Blythe Valley Park, we’re here to help you achieve healthy, bleed-free gums and a stable smile.