During the ongoing global pandemic, many dental patients have let their oral hygiene lax. However, neglecting oral health can be more detrimental to your wellbeing than you might imagine.
A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology found that people with gum disease may have a higher likelihood of suffering severe COVID-19 symptoms. This is because of a link between inflamed gums and the body’s systemic inflammatory response.
More than half of American adults over the age of 30 suffer from gum disease. In these trying times, periodontal treatment is more important than ever. Dr. Vijay Patel, a dentist in Claremont, CA, explains why you should talk to your dentist about bleeding gums and other periodontal concerns.
Early Signs of Gum Problems
While gum disease is a common condition, many individuals are not aware that they have it. Gum disease does not always have noticeable symptoms. This is why regular dental appointments are crucial to preserving oral health.
During these routine exams, our dentist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. This prevents bacteria from infecting your gums. Regular brushing and flossing can not remove all plaque and tartar.
Other dental patients that already have gum disease will recognize the common signs. Some signs of gum disease include bleeding, swollen, and sore gums. Bleeding can also occur because of brushing your teeth too hard, or using a firm-bristled brush. However, you should take these symptoms seriously.
Periodontal Disease Treatment
If your gums are inflamed or bleeding, your dentist will likely recommend a thorough cleaning to remove excess bacteria. An extensive cleaning will include scaling and root planing to clear away infection from deep in the pockets of your gums.
Advanced stages of gum disease may require more invasive treatment. For example, oral surgery may be necessary to tighten gum pockets. Closing gum pockets will make it easier to keep your mouth clean and reduce the chance of bacteria further infecting your gums.
Proper oral hygiene, including brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily, will lower your risk of gum problems. Your dentist might also recommend or prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash. The mouthwash will neutralize bacteria in your mouth and reduce the chance of gum infection.
Why Bleeding Gums Can Happen After COVID-19
Bleeding gums after recovering from COVID-19 might seem alarming, but it’s not uncommon. COVID-19 can have lingering effects on your health, including your oral health. COVID-19 affects many parts of the body, and some of its effects can impact your gums. Here are a few possible reasons why your gums may bleed:
- Increased Inflammation: COVID-19 can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the gums. If your immune system is still recovering, your gums may be more sensitive and prone to bleeding, especially if they were slightly inflamed before you got sick.
- Dry Mouth: COVID-19 can sometimes cause dry mouth as a lingering side effect. Dry mouth can lead to an increase in bacteria buildup, which may make your gums more likely to bleed. Saliva helps protect the gums, so if your mouth is drier than usual, it could make your gums more sensitive.
- Weakened Immune System: After recovering from an illness, your immune system might still be in recovery mode. This can make it harder for your body to fight off plaque and bacteria, which can cause gum irritation and bleeding.
- Medication Side Effects: Some medications taken during or after COVID-19 could affect oral health. Certain medications may dry out the mouth or change how the immune system works, both of which can contribute to bleeding gums.
- Changes in Oral Care Routine: During illness, it can be hard to keep up with regular brushing and flossing. If oral hygiene routines were skipped while you were sick, it could lead to plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed.
Tips to Care for Bleeding Gums After COVID
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, here are some steps to help improve gum health:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your mouth moist, which can reduce bacteria growth. Staying hydrated can help protect your gums from irritation.
- Brush and Floss Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in gentle, circular motions to avoid irritating your gums further. Flossing daily is important but be careful around sensitive areas to prevent more bleeding.
- Rinse with Salt Water: A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce inflammation and bacteria. Try rinsing your mouth with a mixture of one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water once or twice a day.
- Use Alcohol-Free Mouthwash: Alcohol-based mouthwash can dry out your mouth. Instead, choose an alcohol-free mouthwash that’s gentle on the gums and helps control bacteria.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C, can help boost gum health. Leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables are great options to help your immune system recover.
- Consider a Dentist Visit: If your gums continue to bleed after a few weeks or get worse, it might be time to see your dentist. They can check for any underlying issues and suggest treatments that could help, like a deep cleaning or specialized mouth rinse.
When To See A Dentist
If bleeding persists or if you notice other symptoms like gum pain, swelling, or bad breath, it’s a good idea to see a dentist. They can help identify the cause and suggest a treatment plan to improve your gum health and prevent future issues.
Taking these steps can help protect your gums as your body continues to recover. Bleeding gums can be a temporary side effect after COVID-19, but with good oral care, you should see improvement soon.
Fix your bleeding gums and other periodontal concerns in our Claremont dental office. To schedule a dental visit and gum health evaluation, contact our office online or by phone at 909-277-6919.