Will painful, bleeding gums while brushing & flossing eventually go away?

If your hands became swollen and started to bleed when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think swollen, bleeding gums during and after brushing and flossing is normal.

Swollen and bleeding gums are a warning that something is wrong with your oral health. It could be as simple as poor brushing and flossing techniques. Or, it could be gingivitis, a disease caused by a buildup of plaque which contains germs that break down the healthy tissue around the teeth. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontal disease, a long-term gum condition that damages the tissue and bone that support your teeth.

With periodontal disease, your gums become inflamed and infected and pull away from the roots of your teeth, causing them to become loose. Periodontal disease is also characterized by bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth (which also typically indicates the presence of a significant infection).

Swollen, bleeding gums are neither normal nor healthy. And the condition will not improve on its own. You should seek professional treatment as soon as possible to help maintain your oral health, and ultimately, your overall health. Contact us today. We can help ease your mind, save your teeth and support your healthier, happier smile.