Gums serve a two-fold purpose in the mouth: they support the teeth and seal them off so food debris cannot penetrate below the gum line and cause an infection. Healthy gums promote and protect healthy teeth and are the first line of defense against a number of oral diseases.You should never ignore bleeding gums. In most cases, they are caused by carelessness and can be easily remedied. But bleeding gums can sometimes be symptomatic of a serious oral condition that needs to be professionally addressed. Always consult your Marietta dentist for persistent bleeding gums.

There are a number of reasons why your gums might be bleeding. Some of the more common ones are:

• Brushing your teeth too hard or flossing incorrectly, thus cutting your gums and making them bleed
• Applying too much pressure when putting on and taking out dentures
• Biting down on hard objects
• Using teeth whiteners with harsh chemicals
• An oral infection
• Using certain blood-thinning medications
• The hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause can also trigger bleeding

If there are no underlying reasons for your bleeding gums (such as an infection or some other medical condition), taking a few simple steps will usually solve the problem. Be gentle when flossing and brushing your teeth each day. Chew your food carefully and thoroughly. Give up smoking. Gargle and rinse with warm salt water before going to bed.Our expert dentists here at East Cobb Family Dentistry are committed to helping all our patients attain and maintain a healthy oral environment. Skilled and highly-trained with years of experience, our caring dental professionals perform a wide range of preventive, restorative and aesthetic procedures on patients of all ages. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Marietta or have any questions about bleeding gums or other oral problems, call us. We’re here to help.