Causes of Bleeding Gums

If you see blood in the sink when you spit out your toothpaste, don’t dismiss it as a regular part of maintaining oral hygiene. Gums should not bleed, and when they do, it’s usually a sign of gingivitis. Gum inflammation, as gingivitis is commonly called, is very common, but indicates a health problem.

Gingivitis is caused by excessive bacterial growth in the gum pockets. As bacteria feed on sugar, they produce tartar, which acids stick to. This irritates the gum tissue, causing it to bleed while being brushed. Of course, it’s also possible to brush too hard and bruise the gums, but brushing is the best way of preventing bacterial build-up as long as it’s done with a soft-bristled brush.

Anybody can get gingivitis (including people with artificial teeth), but there are some complicating factors which make it more likely. Pregnant women are at greater risk due to hormonal changes. Blood thinner medications also increase the likelihood of gingivitis, as does dry mouth, due to saliva being an important part of keeping bacterial growth under control. Smoking also causes gum inflammation, along with other oral health problems.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami-Dental.com, through a contact form.

Fillings and Toothaches

At the dental offices of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, patients receive beautiful, naturally colored fillings. These treatments repair minor damage to the teeth, allowing them to function normally and making it easier for the patient to combat tooth decay. However, they are not life-long solutions, and patients will need to recognize when they are not functioning properly.

It is normal for patients to experience sensitivity immediately after the decayed dental material has been removed and filled in. But if they are uncomfortable for longer than three or four days, there may be a problem. It is possible that the filling is not at the correct height and may need to be contoured slightly. This is especially true if the filling is interfering with the patient’s ability to bite down comfortably.

Fillings usually have a lifespan of about ten years. After that, the bonding holding them in place starts to crack. The cracks are excellent hiding spaces for decay-causing bacteria, which is why patients may begin to get toothaches again. The filling may also come loose, which is a sure sign it needs to be removed. Maintaining regular appointments allows us to examine patients’ fillings to determine whether it is time for them to be replaced before major problems develop.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami-Dental.com, through a contact form.