Gums bleed when they are irritated and inflamed which is not considered normal. This is due to plaque (a soft film of bacteria) being left on the teeth which causes inflammation called gingivitis and if not addressed can develop into gum disease. Over time, if not cleaned off through daily brushing and interdental cleaning, the plaque can turn into a hard deposit called tartar or calculus which will require professional scaling by your dentist or hygienist to remove it.
It is important even if your gums bleed they are still brushed to keep the mouth clean otherwise the bacteria build up in the mouth will make gum inflammation worse. After a few days of thorough cleaning, your gums should stop bleeding. If this does not happen you will need to ask the advice of your dental team as you may need professional cleaning.
A good oral care regime should be able to prevent your gums from bleeding if done correctly. We would always suggest that you have regular examinations at your dentist. This can help diagnose and treat anything unusual in your mouth so you get the correct care and advice.
You may have to use a softer brush whilst the gums are inflamed until they become healthier. It is also important to clean in between teeth daily using interdental brushes or floss.
Smoking can cover up a gum problem as it restricts the blood flow to the mouth. If you have recently given up smoking this could allow the gums to get a better circulation and therefore start to bleed.
If the tooth is clean and if you can, try to put the tooth back in. Hold the tooth by the crown and place it firmly back into the socket. Bite on a clean handkerchief for 15-20 minutes.
If you cannot get the tooth back in, it has more chance of survival if you can keep the tooth in your cheek until you can get to an emergency dentist. If this is not possible, keep the tooth in some milk.
The tooth needs to be replaced ideally within 30 minutes, so seek dental attention promptly.
You can try using a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Rub a little toothpaste into the sensitive area when going to bed as it helps protect the surface.
Try to avoid strongly acidic foods and drinks and wait at least an hour after eating before brushing as this could cause even more sensitivity. Grinding your teeth can also increase sensitivity and a mouth guard maybe necessary.
If the pain continues, speak to your dental team and they may be able to offer further care to reduce your symptoms. A number of things can cause sensitivity and your dental team will be able to identify these and advise the correct care.
Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems and can happen as you get older. Quite often it is a side effect of medication – especially heart, blood pressure and depression tablets.
If you have a dry mouth, this can be very uncomfortable and it can make eating certain foods very difficult.
Many prescription medicines can cause a dry mouth, if you are taking any regular medication from your doctor, it may be worth discussing these symptoms with him to see if there is an alternative that does not have the same side effects.
If you think that you are suffering with a dry mouth, you should discuss this with your dental team. They may recommend one of the many products that are available over-the-counter to help to alleviate this problem.
Generally any discomfort after an extraction does not last for long and can easily be controlled by the painkillers you would normally take for a headache. If it lasts any longer than 24 hours you should go back to your dental team for advice.
Sometimes pain may occur 3-4 days after the extraction when a blood clot has not formed properly in the extraction socket and the bone becomes infected. You will need to go back to your dentist, who will dress the socket for you.
If you have facial swelling, this could indicate that you have an infection. You will need to see a dentist as you may need some antibiotics to relieve the symptoms of this infection.
If you are in the UK and do not have a regular dentist, you can find the details of the nearest emergency dentist by contacting the NHS 111 service.
