Periodontist

Annapolis, MD Periodontist | Why Do My Gums Bleed?

Periodontist Near Me

While brushing or flossing your teeth, do you notice blood on your toothbrush or in the sink? Swollen, red, or tender gums can bleed when brushing or flossing, even if you are brushing gently. While it may seem harmless, it is important that you do not ignore these symptoms as they may be signs of a more serious issue. Here are four reasons why your gums may be bleeding, and what you can do for prevention.

  1. Poor Oral Hygiene Habits

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily is recommended. However, this routine might still cause your gums to bleed. Bleeding gums can be a consequence of flossing too hard. Use soft bristle toothbrushes for a gentler cleaning.

  1. Smoking

Inhaling smoke can leave toxins on the teeth that irritate gums and cause them to bleed. Smoking can cause your immune system to be compromised, and prevent tissues from healing correctly. Quitting cigarette use will reduce bleeding gums. If you smoke, be sure to schedule an extra oral examination with our team to evaluate your gum health.

  1. Nutritionally Poor Diet

A healthy lifestyle is beneficial to every aspect of your health.  Eating junk food high in sugar content can cause decay and lead to poor oral health. A balanced diet and proper oral hygiene can reduce the risk of bleeding gums.

  1. Gingivitis

Plaque and bacteria can build up on your teeth and become inflamed. Gingivitis is often symptom free. The one symptom that typically appears is bleeding gums, which is usually ignored because it is generally painless. Gingivitis is preventable by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, and flossing regularly to reduce plaque build-up.  Schedule an appointment with us today if you suspect you have gingivitis.

If your gums regularly bleed, it is important that you contact our office. Our team can provide a complete oral examination and recommend proper treatment. Your oral health can significantly impact your overall health. For a healthy life, start by maintaining healthy gums.

To schedule your visit, please contact our office today.

104 Forbes Street, Suite 204
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 295-1000

Four Convenient Locations for Periodontal Therapy, Dental Implant Surgery and Third Molar Extraction

South River Periodontics
Annapolis Location

104 Forbes St, Suite 204,
Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 295-1000

Providing Care
For the Communities of:

Annapolis, Admiral Heights, Naval Academy,
West Annapolis, Eastport, Severna Park, Maryland's Eastern Shore, and surrounding communities.

Meet Our Team

South River Periodontics
Barrington Location

310 Maple Ave, Suite 107,
Barrington, RI 02806
(401) 247-2200

Barrington Rhode Island (Maple Avenue Family Dentistry)

Proudly Serving patients in Barrington, Warren, Bristol, East Providence and Southeastern Massachusetts.

Meet Our Team

South River Periodontics
Marriottsville Location

2600 Longstone Ln, Suite 101,
Marriottsville, MD 21104
(410) 442-0103

Marriottsville (Revive Dental)

Proudly serving patients in Ellicott City, Frederick Sykesville and Western Maryland

Meet Our Team

South River Periodontics
Rockville Location

9850 Key West Ave,
Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 838-9300

Rockville (Rockville Smile Design)

Convenient to the I-70 corridor from Washington DC, and Northern Virginia through the Washington DC Suburbs in Maryland and Frederick

Meet Our Team
  • American Board of Periodontology
  • Academy of Osseointegration
  • Perio.org
  • The Capital

BEST PERIODONTIST IN MD

See What Our Patients Are Saying

I have been going to South River Periodontics for years. I can't say enough about Dr. Robert Bouffard, DDS. His expertise and chair-side manner are positively beyond compare. I actually enjoy going to the dentist! If you're searching for a fabulous dentist who takes the time to actually get to know his patients and provides the best in dental treatment, one who will also explain procedures to you and treat you with the utmost respect and care, look no further than Dr. Robert Bouffard!

Linda Lee Annapolis, MD Dental Patient

Dr. Bouffard extracted my son's wisdom teeth when my son was only 13 and did such a fabulous job. He took his time to explain the procedure and put my son at great ease. Now my son needs an implant to replace a tooth lost when he was 9 and there is little anxiety since he trusts Dr. Bouffard so much. We are so happy to have met him at Maple Ave Family Dentistry in Barrington.

Eileen Brady Annapolis, MD Dental Patient

I was referred to Dr. Bouffard six months after hitting my face on the steering wheel in a car accident. Although I had been seen several times for face pain since the accident, it was still unclear about what was going on. Dr. Bouffard listened closely to all my continued troubles and within 5 minutes of meeting me figured out that my upper jaw had actually been dislocated and should’ve been wired shut to heal properly. I was upset but relieved to finally have some answers and a solid plan for treating my pain. Dr. Bouffard worked with one of "his guys" to construct a splint that I wore for several months to provide support and structure for my healing jaw. He has continued to be involved in my healing process, performing two implant surgeries and sending me on to an orthodontist for braces to further strengthen the integrity of my jaw. Two years later, he continues to check in with me and show genuine concern about how I am feeling. I am truly grateful to have been referred to him.

Laura Petersen Annapolis, MD Dental Patient

See More Reviews
104 Forbes St, Suite 204, Annapolis, MD 21401
310 Maple Ave, Suite 107, Barrington, RI 02806
9850 Key West Ave, Rockville, MD 20850
2600 Longstone Ln, Suite 101, Marriottsville, MD 21104