So, you looked in the mirror and saw bloody, bright red, or swollen gums. If this scared you, we completely understand. We would become frightened, too! Since you saw those inflamed gums, you must be looking for answers. 

Well, we’re here to answer your questions! As restorative dentists, we want to help with any and all of your dental concerns. Bloody, swollen, or discolored gums generally signify that you have gum disease or another health issue.

If you are concerned about your gums or your smile, your dentist at B & D Dental Excellence is here to help. Schedule an appointment with us or tell us about your experiences at your next regular cleaning.

Pregnant woman with bleeding gums looks in the mirror

Gum Disease

Gingivitis is the most common cause of painful gums. This mild form of gum disease simply refers to the buildup of plaque on your gum line, which causes swelling and bleeding. In order to prevent gingivitis, we recommend keeping up your daily oral hygiene routine and regularly visit your dentist for preventative dental cleanings. 

When gingivitis advances and worsens, you can develop periodontitis. With periodontitis, the infection spreads throughout your gums to your jawbone and supportive tissue around your gums and teeth. If you get this condition, you may begin to lose teeth or develop a variety of serious oral issues. 

Other Conditions That Cause Bleeding Gums

Some other conditions that cause frequent bleeding in the gums include vitamin deficiencies, pregnancy, and cancer. When you see your dentist about bloody, swollen, or painful gums, he will first check for gum disease. If you don’t have gum disease, our team will either identify another cause or recommend a physician to further investigate your condition. 

Your Restorative Dentist in West Nyack, New York

Rest assured, not all painful or bloody gums directly relate to disease! Sometimes, our patients report occasional bloody gums when brushing too rigorously, flossing after long periods of inactivity, or wearing dentures that don’t fit just right. So, if you experience occasional bleeding in your gums, don’t fret!

However, if you experience more frequent pain or bleeding, give us a call. Oftentimes, swollen, red or purple, and bleeding gums are signs of gum disease or other serious conditions. If we don’t treat these diseases, they will become worse and threaten both your oral and systemic health. 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dunayer, call us at (845) 627-7645 or message us online. We’ll be able to get your pearly whites back to normal in no time!Â