Seeing pink in the sink after brushing? You aren’t alone. One of the most common oral health problems in New York City, bleeding gums are experienced by many. If you notice that your gums are bleeding—either during brushing or at other points in the day—now is the time to find out what’s causing the condition and how to treat it.
Why? While you can stop some of the factors that cause bleeding gums by changing certain behaviors, others may be more serious oral health concerns that can lead to tooth loss. Working with an experienced periodontist like Dr. Kissel will help you know for sure.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
To oral health professionals, bleeding gums are often a sign of gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease. You may see bleeding when you brush, floss, or scrape the gums accidentally.
Gingivitis causes this reaction because of a buildup of bacteria on the roots of teeth and gums. Over time, inflammation and infection erode the structure of the gums, causing bleeding, sensitivity, and if left untreated, tooth loss.
However, oral disease isn’t the only cause for patients in New York City. Bleeding gums can also result from:
- Improper brushing techniques. Talk with your general dentist or Dr. Kissel about ways to avoid damaging your gums and teeth during your oral care routine.
- Starting to floss. If you haven’t been flossing regularly, your gums may bleed at first as they get used to the cleaning. This should go away in about a week.
- Conditions related to pregnancy. Women may notice inflammation or bleeding around the gums as their bodies change.
- Taking blood thinners. These medications may cause gums to bleed.
Getting Care in New York City
Bleeding gums—especially gums that bleed on a regular basis—may be a warning sign of an important oral health issue, like periodontal disease. Often, brushing and flossing more regularly and attending checkups with Dr. Kissel can resolve the issue.
Even in more severe cases of gum disease, invasive surgery is not always necessary. Dr. Kissel offers an effective alternative with LANAP laser treatment. This nearly painless procedure targets and eliminates unhealthy tissue. Dr. Kissel combines LANAP with microscope technology to find and remove even more bacteria. This targeted approach allows you to heal faster and see a reduction in bleeding gums sooner.
Take a more active role in your oral health by promptly addressing bleeding gums. New York City expert Dr. Scott Kissel is here to help. Contact our New York City practice at 212-702-9088 or online to schedule a consultation.
