Causes of Bleeding Gums

When gums are healthy, they don’t bleed. At ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, we aim to protect our patients from gum inflammation and disease. For that, patients need to understand what causes their gums to bleed and what increases their risk factor.

Gingivitis usually results from plaque building up near the gum line. The gum pockets are a great place for bacteria to hide in, and as they produce plaque, the gums become irritated. Regular brushing can prevent plaque build-up, but it’s still necessary for patients to make biannual appointments for professional cleanings. Bleeding can also result from the gums being bruised, so while it is important to brush regularly and thoroughly, do so with a soft-bristled brush.

Smokers are especially likely to develop bleeding gums, as are people on blood thinner medications and who suffer from dry mouth. This is because saliva helps to remove tartar and combat the spread of bacteria. Pregnancy also creates hormonal conditions which favor the development of gum disease.

Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Thumb-Sucking

Straight teeth aren’t just better looking; they’re also more comfortable and easier to clean. Although we at ProSmiles Dental are certified Invisalign providers, we value preventive care and want the children visiting our practice to avoid the need for orthodontic correction. One of the most important ways of doing that is by breaking the habit of thumb-sucking.

Young children often suck their thumbs (or a pacifier) with little ill effect. Their facial bones are flexible until around the age of five, when their first permanent teeth start coming in. But after that, the suction can pull their incisors outward. This results in malocclusions, also known as misalignments, such as overbites and open bites, as well as overcrowding.

Children should be urged to break their thumb-sucking habit, but this may be difficult if they are relying on it as a means of self-soothing. Often, they simply replace it with a habit of pushing their tongues against their teeth, which has the same effect. It’s best for children to be included in finding solutions, but help from a child psychologist may be necessary.

Dr. Archana Lankupalli operates ProSmiles Dental at 9400 Clifford Street, Suite 110, Fort Worth, Texas, 76108. To schedule an appointment, call 817-369-8000 or visit WhiteSettlementDentistTX.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dry Mouth

Most of us have experienced a dry mouth at some point in our lives. Whether we’re parched, dehydrated, or wake up with morning breath, dry mouth can cause discomfort. Though dry mouth usually isn’t a cause for concern, it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, or as a reaction to a certain medication. To figure out the causes and treatment of your dry mouth, schedule a consultation with our doctors at ProSmiles Dental.

When our bodies don’t produce enough saliva, the mouth can become dry and uncomfortable. You may feel like you’re drinking all the water in the world and you still find no relief. To restore moisture in the mouth, our doctors may prescribe an oral rinse that boosts saliva flow. Depending on the cause of the dry mouth, you may need to double-check your prescriptions.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dry mouth, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.prosmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at ProSmiles Dental in Fort Worth, TX, call 817-677-8966.