You’re brushing your teeth, when you suddenly realize that your toothpaste has turned a pinkish shade. Your gums are bleeding, but you don’t remember nicking them or biting down on something hard. Bleeding gums can be the result of several factors, although gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common causes. Fortunately, your Dr. Georgaklis offers advanced treatments for San Diego bleeding gums patients. Thanks to his advanced technology, including ozone therapy, he can often treat your condition with negligible discomfort and post-treatment sensitivity. If you suffer from bleeding gums in La Jolla, contact our office today.

The Most Common Reasons for Bleeding Gums

There are several reasons that you may notice blood in your toothpaste or on your dental floss. The causes include:

  • Over-rigorous brushing technique
  • A toothbrush with hard bristles
  • Improper flossing technique, such as snapping the floss against your gum line
  • Hormonal changes, such as those brought on by pregnancy
  • Other health conditions, such as anemia, leukemia, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS

In most cases, however, gum disease is the most common reason that you may see blood when brushing or flossing your teeth.

There are two stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is an easily treatable condition that occurs when plaque and bacteria build up in your mouth. It will cause mild to moderate gum irritation, including bleeding. Periodontitis is a chronic condition. Oral bacteria will create pockets in your gum tissues, and the tissues will eventually pull away from the bone. In addition to bleeding, periodontitis can cause tooth loss, gum recession, and jawbone degeneration.

Bleeding Gums Treatment in La Jolla

If you suffer from San Diego bleeding gums, Dr. Georgaklis will conduct a complete exam to determine the reason for this inflammation. Then he can recommend the most effective treatment for your needs. Fortunately, if you only suffer from mild gingivitis, a thorough cleaning is typically enough to restore your oral health. However, if the condition has progressed to full periodontitis, you will need more aggressive care. The exact treatment you receive will depend on the severity of your disease. Options include:

  • Scaling and root planing: Georgaklis will remove plaque and tartar from the periodontal pockets and your dental roots. He may also place an antibiotic in the pockets to stimulate healing. In most cases, he will perform this procedure, also known as a deep cleaning, under local anesthesia. Therefore, you should feel little more than slight pressure.
  • Laser therapy: Georgaklis typically performs laser therapy in conjunction with routine cleanings. Dr. Georgaklis will use a pen-sized laser to eliminate bacteria. If you have deep periodontal pockets, he will perform pocket reduction with the laser at a higher setting. The tool can effectively destroy bacteria, yet it will have little effect on the surrounding healthy tissue.
  • Ozone therapy: After an initial round of scaling and root planing, Dr. Georgaklis may recommend ozone therapy. He will provide custom-made trays, which will deliver ozone gas to the affected areas of your gums. Pure ozone can eliminate bacteria more effectively than cholorine or other chemicals, and the treatment is virtually discomfort-free. Although this can be a great option, it is not always necessary.

Contact Our San Diego Office for Bleeding Gums Treatment

If you have noticed blood when brushing or flossing, there is no reason to panic. Relief is around the corner, thanks to Dr. Georgaklis’ bleeding gums treatment in La Jolla. Nevertheless, you should contact him as soon as possible to prevent gum disease from spreading and further compromising your oral health.