What it means
Bleeding is a response to deposits sitting along the gum line. While the inflammation is confined to the gum the condition is reversible and clears up with cleaning and better hygiene. Left alone, the inflammation reaches the bone holding the tooth, and lost bone does not come back by itself.
Bleeding can also be heavier in pregnancy, with certain medicines and with conditions affecting clotting. That is why we also ask about general health at the examination.
What we do
The examination shows how far the inflammation has gone and whether there are pockets between tooth and gum. Then comes removal of tartar and soft deposits, and treatment of the pockets if needed. After that we choose the brush and the technique that suit your own gaps.
A common mistake
Many people stop brushing the spot that bleeds, thinking they are sparing it. The opposite happens: deposits stay, the inflammation grows, the bleeding gets worse. A spot that bleeds needs brushing — gently, but every day.
