Nearly 20% of Canadians report not having a dentist in 2022. If you’re suffering from bleeding gums and you’re one of the 20%, you’ve come to the right place. A dental checkup in North Vancouver is often all you need to have healthier gums and a better-feeling mouth.

Bleeding gums are unsightly and uncomfortable. Making a dental visit and staying on top of your oral health are just a few of the many ways to improve your gums. From what causes it, to how to make your gums better, we’ll go over everything you need to know about gum bleeding.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums make your mouth look and feel terrible at times. There are many factors that can cause your gums to bleed including not staying on top of your oral hygiene, poor eating habits, and more.

If you’re not seeing a North Vancouver dentist, it’s hard to know what is going on with your gums. Skipping dental cleanings is one of the fastest ways to deteriorate your gums.

In addition to missing cleanings, a poor diet can also lead to gums that bleed. Smoking, drug use, and stress may also cause gum bleeding and poor oral health.

How to Treat Bleeding Gums

One of the best ways to stop your gums from bleeding is to schedule an appointment with a Vancouver dentist. A proper cleaning and exam will help ensure a proper treatment plan moving forward.

At home, a healthy diet and good oral hygiene are also helpful. Make sure you’re brushing properly, flossing, and rinsing your mouth daily. Rinsing with mouthwash or salt water is also helpful to reduce inflammation in your gums.

Drink plenty of water to reduce gum inflammation as well. A diet of unprocessed whole foods such as vegetables and leafy greens will do wonders for your oral health.

If you’re a smoker, you likely already know the effects it has on your body. Quitting smoking will have a profound effect on your oral health as well.

The Importance of Dental Check-Ups

Staying on top of your dental checkups is one of the best things you can do for your gums and oral health. Regular cleaning and exams will keep your gums healthy.

During your dental visit, you’ll receive a cleaning and an exam to help better understand what is causing your gums to bleed. The longer you go without treatment, the more uncomfortable your bleeding gums will become.

Schedule Your Dental Check Up North Vancouver Now

Whether you are looking to change Vancouver dentists or are new to the area, we’re ready to help you treat your bleeding gums and more. Making the appointment is the first step to a healthier and better-feeling mouth.

To request a dental check up in North Vancouver, fill out the contact form here. We’ll help treat your bleeding gums and keep your mouth looking and feeling its best.

Itchy gums don't always mean you're developing gum disease. However, because itchy gums can be caused by a range of health conditions, it needs to be investigated and treated. From general health to oral health, let's investigate what causes itchy gums and how to find relief.

Reasons for Itchy Gums That Are Not Related to Oral Health

Chronic Dry Mouth

A lack of saliva can cause itchy gums. This may sound like an oral health concern, but there can be many causes:

• Diabetes
• Medications for blood pressure, anxiety, pain and allergies
• Nerve damage
• Tobacco, drug and alcohol use
• Aging

In some instances, chronic dry mouth is a condition all its own.

Seeking treatment or altering medications may ease the issue, but always see a doctor first. Otherwise, dry mouth may be treated with special mouthwashes or prescription medications.

Hormonal Changes

Menopause, pregnancy, puberty and menstruation may cause itchy gums. If you're experiencing pain or tenderness in other parts of your body, this may be the reason. It may be temporary, so mouthwashes and medications may be your best relief.

Allergic Reactions

Even if you've never experienced allergies, many adults develop allergies to food, the environment or other things later in life. This can result in sneezing, wheezing, trouble breathing and itchy gums. While these symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter anti-histamines, get an allergy test to be sure.

Gum Diseases and Oral Health Factors That Cause Itchy Gums

Gum Injuries

Cuts, sores and injuries on your gums may become infected and cause a tingling or itchy sensation. Treat the area with an anti-septic and see a dentist to make sure infection hasn't spread.

Bruxism, the scientific name for teeth grinding, may also cause gum injuries and itchiness. To fix the problem, you may need to see a dentist for a mouth-guard or other oral device.

Dental Devices

If you have braces, dental implants, dentures or other kinds of dental devices, they need to fit well. If they don't, they can cut into your gums, cause infection and make them itch. Have an orthodontist or dentist treat the area and re-align your dental device.

Plaque Accumulation

Before gum disease sets in, a small amount of plaque can cause itchy gums. They may also bleed when you brush or floss. See a dentist for a professional tooth cleaning and ways to prevent future gum disease.

Gingivitis and Advanced Gum Disease

According to the Canadian Dental Association, about 70% of all Canadians develop gum disease at some point in their lives. The earliest stage is called gingivitis, a condition defined by inflamed, sensitive and even itchy gums. If left untreated, it may lead to periodontitis (advanced gum disease) and tooth loss. This may be prevented by routine professional dental cleaning.

No matter the reason for itchy gums, IQ Dental of North Vancouver, Canada, can help. From re-fitting dental devices to treating and preventing gum disease, we're here to make your mouth more comfortable and healthier. Contact us today to find relief from your itchy gums.