Bleeding Gums Post Cleaning, Normal or Not? Unveiling the Truth
You went for a six-monthly regular dental cleaning at your local dental clinic and found bleeding gums. You must be wondering if it is normal.
It is common to have bleeding gums even if you have healthy gums after regular cleaning. But before we move further, let’s first understand what dental cleaning is.
Dental Cleaning: Dentists perform dental cleaning to maintain good oral hygiene by using a hand scaler and ultrasonic cleanser to remove excessive deposits from the gum line. Regular dental cleaning will help prevent the spread of gum conditions.
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Common Causes of Bleeding Gums
Healthy gums do not bleed even if cleaned by a dentist. Bleeding gums after dental cleaning are always a sign of a problem. It could indicate gingivitis or gum disease (the most common cause), an incorrect flossing technique, a medication side effect, or dry mouth.
Gum Disease: Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up under your gums. When there’s an infection, antibodies go to the gums’ surface, causing them to swell, become red, and hurt. When this happens, gums bleed easily, especially when in contact with an instrument that cleans more thoroughly than your regular toothbrush.
Why does it matter?
If hard plaque (tartar) stays on your teeth, it can worsen gum infection and harm your bone (periodontal disease or periodontitis). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) discovered that 47.2% of American adults aged 30 and up have some kind of periodontitis, and the likelihood of it amplifies with age.
Gum diseases can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. If you’re pregnant, it’s important to have a dental check-up, as periodontitis during pregnancy has been linked to a six-fold increase in the risk of preterm delivery. Be proactive and address any gingivitis early on.
What You Can Do?
Getting a professional dental cleaning can help you recover from gum disease before it worsens, even if it makes your gums bleed. You should request that your dental hygienist verify your brushing technique and brush according to your dentist’s directions at home. To eliminate the bacteria harming your gums, you can use an antibacterial mouthwash.
If the bleeding has not stopped after a week or two, visit your dentist to diagnose and treat any underlying issues (like gingivitis or periodontitis) with appropriate non-surgical or surgical periodontal treatments for your condition. Healthy gums make it easier for a dentist or dental surgeon to fix any gum recession and bone loss that may have occurred. That’s why at our Beverly Hills office, we tackle any bleeding problems before starting any aesthetic dental treatments.
Incorrect Flossing Technique: Flossing prevents food particles from getting lodged in your gums, which can lead to infection and decay. However, if you floss incorrectly, it can lead to bleeding in the gums.
It’s possible that you cut your gum if you flossed straight up and down instead of in a C shape. Any bleeding from a cut gum would typically be noticeable immediately. However, a dental cleaning could cause the cut to reopen and bleed, even if it wasn’t directly related to the cleaning.
How to Floss Correctly
First, brush your teeth to remove larger pieces of food. Then, floss gently up the sides of every tooth to remove smaller particles that have stuck in the gums. Finally, brush as normal.
Dry Mouth: Dry gum tissues are more susceptible to bleeding after dental cleanings, especially for:
- People with long-term allergic rhinitis or recurrent sinusitis
- People who take medications (most cause dry mouth)
- People who snore
- People who smoke cannabis or tobacco
- Mouth breathers
- People who wear a CPAP machine at night
- Athletes, runners, and hikers
If you find your gums bleeding after dental cleaning, discuss the risk factors with your dentist. They will recommend an appropriate hygiene routine to maintain healthy gums.
Good dental hygiene will help you heal soon.
Remember, you can stop gum bleeding in a week or two by following proper brushing, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
If the problem still persists, contact to your nearest dental clinic for a thorough evaluation.
FAQ’s
Q1: Is it normal to have bleeding gums after a dental cleaning?
A1: Yes, it can be normal to experience bleeding gums after a dental cleaning, even if you have healthy gums. This bleeding is often related to the cleaning process and does not necessarily indicate a problem. However, it’s important to understand the causes and distinguish between normal post-cleaning bleeding and potential issues.
Q2: What is dental cleaning, and why is it done?
A2: Dental cleaning, also known as dental hygiene or scaling, is a procedure performed by dentists or dental hygienists to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gums. It helps maintain good oral hygiene, prevents gum conditions, and promotes overall dental health.
Q3: Why do my gums bleed after a dental cleaning?
A3: Bleeding gums after a dental cleaning may be a sign of an underlying issue. Possible causes include gingivitis or gum disease, incorrect flossing technique, medication side effects, or dry mouth. Healthy gums should not bleed when cleaned by a dentist.
Q4: What is gum disease, and why does it matter?
A4: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when plaque builds up under the gums, leading to infection. If left untreated, it can worsen and affect the bone, leading to more severe periodontitis. Gum diseases can result in tooth loss and increase the risk of other health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Q5: What can I do if my gums bleed after a dental cleaning?
A5: If your gums bleed after a dental cleaning, it’s essential to take action. First, request that your dental hygienist verifies your brushing technique and brush according to your dentist’s directions at home. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash to eliminate harmful bacteria. If bleeding persists after a week or two, consult your dentist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.
