Have you noticed that your gums are sore or bleed easily? Dr. John Bruce, your Great Falls, MT, dentist at Bruce Family Dentistry, can help you find the cause of the problem and offer treatments that will help your gums heal.

What causes bleeding gums?

Your gums may bleed for many reasons, including:

• Injuries: You can injure your gums by brushing or flossing too hard or using wooden toothpicks to remove food stuck between your teeth.
• Your Dentures: Poorly fitting dentures may irritate your gums, causing pain and swelling. Dentures need to be adjusted periodically to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Vitamin Deficiencies: In some cases, bleeding gums can be a problem if you don't get enough vitamin C or vitamin K in your diet.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy hormones could be to blame for sore, swollen, bleeding gums.
• Blood Disorders or Diseases: Hemophilia, leukemia, and other blood disorders may cause the gums to bleed easily.
• Medications: Did your gums start to bleed after your doctor prescribed heparin or warfarin? People who take blood thinners tend to experience bleeding gums. Even aspirin can increase your risk of the problem.
• Gum Disease: Bleeding gums could be a sign that you have gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. Without treatment, gingivitis can soon turn into periodontitis, the more severe type of the disease. If you have gingivitis, you may notice that your gums bleed easily when you brush and floss. Other symptoms can include receding gums, swelling, and bad breath. Gingivitis can occur if you don't brush and floss thoroughly.

What to do about bleeding gums

During your visit to the Great Falls, MT, dental office, your dentist will examine your gums and ask a few questions about your symptoms and oral and general health history. If vigorous brushing or flossing is to blame for the bleeding, changing your habits can help. Try brushing and flossing gently, and be sure to use a soft-bristle toothbrush.

A professional dental cleaning and improved dental hygiene may reverse gingivitis. Flap surgery, antibiotics, or bone or tissue grafts may be needed if you have severe gum disease. If your dentist thinks you may have an underlying health problem, he'll refer you to a medical doctor.

Are you concerned about your gums? Call (406) 452-2964 to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Great Falls, MT, Dr. Bruce of Bruce Family Dentistry.