When to Seek Urgent Care for Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums often stem from periodontal disease or gingivitis due to worsening plaque buildup. While not an emergency, the condition should be treated by a professional. When bleeding accompanies an injury or becomes excessive, contact your dentist promptly.

Danny Jeon, DMD, offers urgent care for an assortment of issues, from bleeding gums to loose fillings and more, at Tucker Family Dental in Tucker, GA.

Why do gums bleed?

It’s normal for gums to bleed after a tooth extraction or gum surgery. When bleeding lasts longer than 24 hours or is accompanied by fever, pain, or swelling, let us know.

Other reasons you may experience excessive bleeding include:

Poor oral hygiene

Regular check-ups and cleanings help keep your gums healthy. Flossing and brushing at home are even more crucial. Bleeding gums may indicate infection. If left untreated, it may lead to serious complications, such as heart disease or stroke.

Gingivitis

When plaque hardens, it forms tartar. Bacteria build up in this tartar, causing bleeding and swollen gums.

Periodontitis

When gum disease goes unchecked, it may cause periodontitis — bone loss in your jaw.

Diabetes

High blood sugar due to diabetes causes your saliva to contain more plaque-producing sugar, which may increase bleeding and gum disease.

Dry mouth

Certain autoimmune conditions, such as Sjögren's syndrome, reduce tears and saliva. Since saliva helps rid your mouth of bacteria, dry mouth increases your risk of cavities, gum disease, and bleeding.

Hormonal changes

Hormonal shifts in estrogen and progesterone during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause often amplify blood flow to the gums.

Medications

Blood thinners and other drugs may produce gum sensitivity or bleeding. Let Dr. Jeon know if a new prescription is causing problems.

Issues, such as vitamin K or vitamin C deficiencies, can also produce bleeding gums. 

Even stress plays a part. When increased cortisol floods your system, it may trigger inflammation and bleeding gums.

How to relieve bleeding gums at home

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, discuss it with us. If the bleeding isn’t urgent, Dr. Jeon may recommend certain at-home solutions, such as:

• Disinfect your mouth with a hydrogen peroxide rinse after brushing
• Apply a cold compress to the gum line to reduce blood flow
• Brush and floss more gently
• Quit smoking to help your gums heal faster
• Drink catechin-containing green tea to reduce bacterial inflammation in your mouth
• Rinse your mouth regularly with warm salt water to lessen bleeding and swelling
• Enjoy more foods with vitamin C, such as oranges, carrots, and red peppers
• Add vitamin K-rich foods, such as spinach and kale

While these methods help, it’s important to discuss any bleeding issues with Dr. Jeon to get to the root of the problem.

When good gums go bad

Dental emergencies include everything from bleeding gums to a severe toothache. Dr. Jeon treats a variety of urgent issues, such as:

• A cracked tooth
• Bad toothache that may indicate nerve damage
• Abscessed tooth and swollen gums
• Soft tissue gum injuries from accidents, sports, or other trauma

Tucker Family Dental provides urgent care during regular operating hours.

Treatment for bleeding gums

Dr. Jeon may prescribe antibiotics to help heal an infection. He may also suggest:

• Deep cleaning with our hygienist
• Better at-home dental care
• Periodontal surgery

If your bleeding isn’t due to gum disease, we may suggest further testing to determine whether an underlying health issue may be to blame.

Don’t brush off bleeding gums

Regular dental cleanings and exams, combined with thorough at-home care, help prevent future dental problems. However, if your gums consistently bleed every time you brush or floss, you should visit Dr. Jeon to determine the cause.

If you experience a dental emergency, such as unusual bleeding, excessive pain or swelling, a lost filling, or loose tooth, don’t wait. Call our office at (678) 233-2945 or book an appointment online with Tucker Family Dental today.