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.

 

Loose Teeth

Permanent teeth should never come loose, but when they do, ProSmiles Dental is here to help. Dentists categorize dental trauma as either “primary occlusal trauma,” if the teeth split without being infected, and “secondary occlusal trauma,” which is the result of gum disease. When teeth come loose over time, instead of from a specific violent event, gum disease is to blame.

Periodontal disease causes gum tissue to recede, weakening the ligaments holding teeth in place. But what many people don’t know is that it also causes the jaw bone to lose mass. Loss of jaw bone weakens teeth even more, and the effect snowballs once the back teeth come loose. To spare their back teeth, patients often start chewing with the front of their mouths, putting too much stress on their incisors, and pushing them even further out of place.

Dentists have to get the bacterial infection under control before doing anything else. Treating loose teeth will likely involve putting a splint on them at some point, although the splint may or may not be permanent. When a large amount of bone tissue has been lost, a bone graft will be necessary before a patient can receive implants.

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.

 

Gum Recession

If your gums have receded, the ProSmiles Dental clinic in Fort Worth can help you restore them to health. Gum recession can occur for a number of reasons, including tooth misalignment and genetics, but the most common cause is periodontal disease.

Teeth naturally fit into gum pockets, which are sung, but not airtight. Some bacteria will always work their way below the gum line and contribute to decay. Deep cleanings can remove plaque from gum pockets, but if decay goes on for too long, the gum tissue covering the teeth will dissolve or contract, exposing tooth roots. Besides looking unattractive, this also leaves the patient uncomfortable and unable to enjoy cold foods.

Fortunately, gums can usually heal on their own if the plaque is removed and patients maintain their oral hygiene. Severe cases may require consultation from a periodontal specialist, who can perform surgery to cover tooth roots with donated or artificial gum material. However, patients need not fear that their exposed roots will be permanent.

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.