When Are Bleeding Gums a Dental Emergency?

Bleeding from the gums can be a sign that you have some minor gum irritation, or it’s a signal that something is seriously wrong. When you have a highly qualified dentist who offers emergency dental care, you don’t have to wait in a crowded ER surrounded by germs to get checked out.

At Bayside Dental Arts in Queens, New York, Dr. Andrey Ilyabayev and our team provide emergency dental care when needed, including Saturday appointments. Here’s how you can tell if your bleeding gums are a dental emergency.

Common causes of bleeding gums

There are plenty of reasons your gums might start to bleed. Common causes of bleeding gums include:

• Early stage gum disease (gingivitis)
• Late stage gum disease (periodontitis)
• A cut to the gums
• A broken or cracked tooth
• Trauma to the mouth
• Severe inflammation
• Infection
• Diabetes
• Hormonal changes
• Hemophilia (blood clotting disorder)
• Blood thinning medications
• Anemia 

Slight bleeding without any other major symptoms is usually due to mild gum disease, another health condition, or medication. Discuss such mild symptoms at your next doctor visit and dental visit. Keep brushing gently and flossing daily, and rinse your mouth regularly with warm salt water.

When bleeding gums are an emergency

There are some situations when you really do need to seek professional emergency care for bleeding gums. There are several ways to handle dental emergencies, including going to your local emergency room or simply calling your emergency dentist.

If your gums are bleeding due to facial trauma from a car accident or other injury, or if you’re having trouble breathing, go to the ER and follow up with Dr. Ilyabayev afterward. But there are many cases when bypassing the ER and going directly to an emergency dentist is the best choice:

• Your gums are red, swollen, and bleeding heavily
• You see pus or discharge in addition to blood
• A tooth is knocked out or loose with bleeding
• Your mouth is bleeding and has a very bad smell

Any of these situations would constitute a dental emergency, and you should call us at once to schedule a visit. Dr. Ilyabayev quickly evaluates your situation and starts the appropriate treatment. He can also prescribe antibiotics or analgesics as appropriate to fight infection and ease your pain.

Are you due for a dental cleaning? Preventive dentistry can save you from gum disease and other causes of bleeding gums. Schedule an appointment at our Bayside, New York, office. To get in touch, call us at 315-908-0804 or book an appointment online today.