Are Bleeding Gums a Dental Emergency?

Seeing blood on your toothbrush or spitting blood into the sink can be alarming, especially if you’re not sure why you’re bleeding. If you have sudden, unexpected bleeding in your gums, you might not need emergency treatment, but it’s wise to meet with our Park Dental NYC providers to find out what’s going on.

Yookyung Park, DDS, and Pat Ng-A-Fook, DDS, provide comprehensive emergency dental services to identify and address the root cause of bleeding gums. We also provide educational resources that you can use to improve your oral health, so you can avoid additional dental emergencies.

Below, we discuss the possible causes of bleeding gums, when to seek emergency care, and which treatments we offer to address bleeding, pain, and other oral health issues. 

If you’re unsure whether your condition is an emergency, call our office to discuss your symptoms with our friendly staff.

Nonurgent causes of bleeding gums

Bleeding gums can result from brushing or flossing your teeth too harshly, which can irritate the top layers of your gum tissue. People who have sensitive gums may also experience minor bleeding after in-office cleanings.

There’s also potential for bleeding gums if you neglect routine oral hygiene. A lack of brushing and flossing can lead to tooth decay and infections that cause bleeding gums.

Medical causes of bleeding gums may include:

• Diabetes
• Bleeding disorders
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Hormone changes

The use of certain medications can also increase sensitivity in your teeth and cause your gums to bleed.

Occasional bleeding from the gums doesn’t usually require immediate medical attention. However, you should change your diet and practice good oral hygiene to prevent chronic oral health problems.

When bleeding gums are an emergency

Schedule an emergency visit at Park Dental NYC if you have severe bleeding in your gums, bleeding that you can’t stop with cool compresses, or severe trauma to your teeth or gums.

Two primary causes of chronic bleeding in the gums are gingivitis (inflammation) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease). These conditions can lead to severe pain, tooth loss, and other complications without proper medical care.

Our dental experts complete an oral health exam and may take X-rays to get a closer look at your teeth and gums. We can repair or remove decayed teeth that contribute to bleeding gums. We also specialize in dental implants, crowns, and other restorative services to protect your smile.

If you have gum disease, we may recommend a deep dental cleaning to remove plaque and bacteria along the gumline. You might need antibiotics to clear or prevent an infection. Advanced gum disease may also require surgery to remove diseased or damaged tissue and to avoid tooth loss.

During routine checkups, our dentists continue to monitor the health of your gums. We can also recommend oral care strategies you can use at home to improve your oral health and reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease.

Call Park Dental NYC in Midtown East Manhattan, New York, today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for bleeding gums or book an appointment online.