Welcome to MedPlex Dental, a holistic dental practice helping patients in the Orlando, Florida area and the neighboring communities! Did you know that healthy gums are as vital to your smile as healthy teeth? Dr. Marco Castellini and our team want you to know how important oral care is for your gum health. Since the gums do the work of supporting your pearly whites, you will want to keep them in tip-top shape. But if your gums bleed, what should you do? Let’s explore your options:
Healthy diet
Limit your consumption of sugar and sugary drinks, and increase your intake of vegetables. When you do eat sugar, rinse well with water afterwards and brush your teeth to limit the exposure to your pearly whites.
Switch Medications
Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can cause bleeding of the gums, and some medications can interfere with saliva flow by causing dry mouth, a condition which allows oral bacteria to thrive. Your doctor may switch medications or alter the dosage to help you.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, the toxins can actually interfere with your gum’s ability to receive nutrients and can cause inflammation. As the gums bleed, harmful bacteria which live along the gumline can enter the bloodstream via the ulcers in the gums and travel to your organs to cause inflammation.
Minimize Bacteria
Bleeding gums are actually contagious by spreading harmful amounts of bacteria. If you or your partner has a lot of oral bacteria, avoid sharing drinks, keep your toothbrushes from touching, and be aware that kissing will spread the bacteria and make you more susceptible to bleeding gums.
Oral Hygiene
It is so important to brush your teeth at least twice daily. Using an electric toothbrush can massage the gums which increases nutrient absorption into the gums by stimulating blood flow. Floss at least once each day to remove dental plaque, a biofilm made of bacteria and waste products. If you have difficulty flossing, a water flosser may be a good investment to remove bacteria between the teeth. Keep up with routine maintenance by seeing your dentist regularly for dental cleanings to remove tartar (hardened plaque).
Dr. Marco Castellini and our team may also recommend more frequent dental cleanings, antibiotic treatment, scaling and root planing (deep cleanings), or gum surgery to help alleviate bleeding gums. If you would like more information, or to schedule a visit, please call MedPlex Dental in Orlando, Florida, at 407-351-2245 today!