Why Your Gums Bleed When You Brush

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Noticing a bit of pink in the sink when you brush your teeth can be alarming, but it’s also pretty common. Bleeding gums aren’t something to ignore, though — they’re usually your body’s way of saying something’s not quite right with your oral health.

The Most Common Cause

Most of the time, bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. This happens when plaque, that sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline. If it’s not removed with daily brushing and flossing, it irritates the gums and makes them swollen, tender, and prone to bleeding. The good news? Gingivitis is reversible with good oral care and regular dental cleanings in Lyndhurst, OH.

Other Possible Triggers

Not all gum bleeding comes from gum disease. Brushing too hard, using a toothbrush with stiff bristles, or starting a flossing routine after a long break can cause gums to bleed temporarily. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, certain medications, and health conditions like vitamin deficiencies or blood clotting disorders can also make gums more sensitive.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

Bleeding gums may seem like a small problem, but if the cause is gum disease, it can progress if left untreated. Gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a more serious condition where the gums pull away from the teeth and the bone supporting them starts to break down. This can eventually lead to tooth loss. On top of that, research shows that gum disease is linked to other health issues, including heart problems and diabetes.

What You Can Do

If your gums bleed often, start by reviewing your brushing and flossing habits. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, gentle pressure, and floss daily to keep plaque in check. Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria. And most importantly, keep up with regular dental visits so your dentist or hygienist can spot and treat problems early.

A little bleeding when you brush might seem harmless, but it’s your gums waving a red flag. Treating the cause early keeps your smile healthy and can help prevent bigger — and more expensive — dental problems down the road. If it happens often, it’s worth making an appointment with your Lyndhurst, OH dentist to get it checked out.

What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning and Why It’s Important

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Visiting the dentist for a dental cleaning in Lyndhurst, OH feels great—a lot like spring cleaning a house or finally clearing the garage after years of letting stuff accumulate. You’re left with a brighter smile you can feel good about. But dental cleanings go beyond looks. They play a crucial role in preventing problems that can affect both your oral health and overall well-being. Knowing what to expect helps motivate you to take full advantage of these appointments and empowers you to stay ahead of issues before they escalate.

Why Dental Cleanings Matter

Plaque often takes hold in spots your toothbrush can’t reach. Over time, that plaque hardens into tartar—irritating gums and corroding enamel. Regular cleanings remove tartar buildup and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, keeping small concerns from becoming major procedures later on.

What Really Happens During a Cleaning

A typical cleaning appointment starts with an oral exam. The dental hygienist checks gum health and notes any areas of concern. Next comes scaling, where specialized tools gently remove tartar from above and below the gumline. After scaling, teeth are polished to eliminate surface stains, leaving them smooth and easier to keep clean. Finally, a thorough flossing clears away any leftover debris. Your dentist may perform a quick follow-up exam to confirm overall health and discuss any findings.

How Often You Should Schedule Cleanings

For most adults, a cleaning every six months is recommended. Patients with a history of gum disease, diabetes, or other risk factors might benefit from visits every three to four months. Consistent scheduling ensures that plaque and tartar never have the chance to build up to harmful levels.

Common Misconceptions Explained

Some people assume cleanings are optional or only needed when trouble appears. In reality, they are an essential preventive measure. Others worry about discomfort, but modern techniques and tools make the process quick and gentle. If sensitivity is a concern, talk with your hygienist about numbing options.

If it’s been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, reach out today to book an appointment with your dentist in Lyndhurst, OH. Taking that step now sets you on the path to a healthier mouth and greater peace of mind.

Is Your Tooth Infected?

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Infections are serious business, whether you’re referring to a common cold or an infected tooth. In the worst-case scenarios, unchecked infections can turn into serious complications and even death. While tooth pain has been known to appear and disappear without warning, the much more likely scenario is that the symptoms represent a more long-lasting problem. Below, we’ll look at what to keep an eye on if your tooth acts up.

What Is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection (sometimes called an abscess) doesn’t occur when bacteria makes contact with the tooth, but rather when the tooth pulp comes in contact with bacteria. While your enamel and tooth tissue protects you from most common bacteria, a cavity or crack in the tooth can allow that bacteria to enter and make its way down to the root.

How Do I Know If My Tooth Is Infected?

A dentist in Lyndhurst, OH can tell you that the most common symptom of an infection is pain. We’ll look at a few additional facts about the symptoms of an infection:

  • Pain is typically constant and a throbbing sensation. You may feel it in your mouth, but it can just as easily spread as far as your neck or ears.
  • Some infections cause pain only when chewing, biting, or exposure to extremely hot or cold foods or liquids.
  • Infections can cause the tooth to rot from the inside out, which can cause a foul odor or salty fluid if the infection ruptures.
  • Additional symptoms are likely familiar to anyone who’s ever had an infection of any kind, including swelling in the lymph nodes, fever, and general tenderness.

Where to Find Relief in Lyndhurst, OH

Not all infections move at the same pace, so it’s important not to make assumptions about your condition. If you’ve been experiencing tooth pain in Lyndhurst, OH, it’s worth having it checked out by a qualified dentist. While it can be scary to think about the consequences of a tooth infection, especially if you’re worried about extraction, it’s worse to assume that the infection will resolve on its own. If you’re looking for a reputable team, contact the staff at Lyndhurst Family Dental to schedule an immediate appointment today.

The Real Story Behind Oral Hygiene Checkups

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Have you had your teeth cleaned during a general dentistry appointment in Lyndhurst, OH, lately? If not, you may want to examine your repertoire of knowledge about dental hygiene appointments to make sure there are no mistruths and misleading bits of information keeping you from your appointment. While dental cleaning appointments are critical to your oral health care plan, many people fail to make them. Take a look at the myths associated with oral hygiene visits and the real facts behind them.

Myth: Getting your teeth cleaned isn’t necessary if you brush and floss as you should.

Fact: Regular dental cleanings are essential, even with diligent brushing and flossing, as they remove plaque and tartar buildup that home care may miss. For example, when you brush and floss, it is almost impossible to get all bits of bacteria or food particles around the gum line. However, a hygienist has professional-grade tools to get to these hard-to-reach areas.

Myth: You don’t need an oral hygiene appointment with dental crowns or implants.

Fact: Oral hygiene appointments remain crucial even if you do have dental crowns or implants. These visits are important for ensuring proper cleaning and maintenance around the gum line to prevent issues like gum disease. Therefore, visiting a dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning remains an important part of your oral health care plan, even after cosmetic procedures.

Myth: Having your teeth professionally cleaned breaks down the enamel.

Fact: Professional teeth cleaning doesn’t weaken enamel; in fact, it strengthens oral health by removing harmful substances, which promotes a healthier and brighter smile. After a hygiene appointment, you may feel a bit of sensitivity, but this is not because the enamel has been damaged during the cleaning. Instead, this may be due to a change in sensation because plaque has been removed. Over time, the teeth will typically become stringer as remineralization occurs, and sensitivity will subside.

Create an Oral Hygiene Plan with a Lyndhurst, OH Dentist

The most important thing to keep in mind about oral hygiene appointments is the fact that they are a vital part of your oral health care plan. If you have not had your teeth cleaned in a while, be sure to talk to a good dentist in Lyndhurst, OH, about a checkup and a plan. Reach out to Lyndhurst Family Dental to get started.