DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter THE BLOODY TRUTH Among the most common causes of bleeding gums is gingivitis (gum disease), which results from the buildup of plaque at the gumline and leads to inflammation. If not treated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and additional problems. Other common causes of bleeding gums are brushing too hard, using a toothbrush thats not soft enough, improper flossing. and taking certain medications such as blood thinners. Ill-fitting dentures, faulty dental restorations, or an undiagnosed health condition or illness may also result in bleeding gums. If you've just started flossing, its common for your gums to bleed, but it should clear up within a week or two. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also lead to temporary gingivitis and bleeding gums. Even though plaque is the number one cause of gum disease, other factors can contribute to its taking hold on your teeth. Hormonal changes, medications, certain illnesses, bad habits, and even a family history of dental disease can all play a part. However, diligence in home care and regular professional visits go a long way to lessen the i impact gum disease has on your mouth as well as overall health. CARPENTER DENTAL offers a full range of services to meet all your oral health care needs at 1086 Wyoming Ave., Forty Fort. Call 507-331-0909 for an appointment. P.S. Chronic bleeding gums while performing routine tasks like brushing your teeth and flossing are a sign of periodontitis. Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort, PA (570) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com DENTAL TOPICS by Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter THE BLOODY TRUTH Among the most common causes of bleeding gums is gingivitis ( gum disease ) , which results from the buildup of plaque at the gumline and leads to inflammation . If not treated , gingivitis can lead to periodontitis ( advanced gum disease ) and additional problems . Other common causes of bleeding gums are brushing too hard , using a toothbrush thats not soft enough , improper flossing . and taking certain medications such as blood thinners . Ill - fitting dentures , faulty dental restorations , or an undiagnosed health condition or illness may also result in bleeding gums . If you've just started flossing , its common for your gums to bleed , but it should clear up within a week or two . Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also lead to temporary gingivitis and bleeding gums . Even though plaque is the number one cause of gum disease , other factors can contribute to its taking hold on your teeth . Hormonal changes , medications , certain illnesses , bad habits , and even a family history of dental disease can all play a part . However , diligence in home care and regular professional visits go a long way to lessen the i impact gum disease has on your mouth as well as overall health . CARPENTER DENTAL offers a full range of services to meet all your oral health care needs at 1086 Wyoming Ave. , Forty Fort . Call 507-331-0909 for an appointment . P.S. Chronic bleeding gums while performing routine tasks like brushing your teeth and flossing are a sign of periodontitis . Dr. Charles M. & Dr. Chas M. Carpenter Carpenter Dental 1086 Wyoming Avenue Forty Fort , PA ( 570 ) 331-0909 Elaine Carpenter RDH www.carpenterdental.com