Having your gums bleed at all can be alarming, but if they won't stop, that can be even more upsetting. If this has happened to you, you should know that it means that there's something seriously wrong with your gums. Here's why you can't seem to get your gums to stop bleeding at home.

Gum Disease

Repeated gum bleeding at home is typically only ever caused by gum disease. This is when bacterial growth rises to the point that your gums become sick. So if you're going through this problem, you probably have gum disease.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. At this phase, you may still experience bleeding from the gums. However, it can usually be stopped in this phase at home. Gum disease doesn't always require visiting with a dentist, although it's always recommended. However, if you can't get your symptoms to subside even after trying to brush gently and floss, or by integrating mouthwash into your routine, then you likely don't have gingivitis anymore.

Periodontitis

When bleeding from the gums won't stop, periodontitis is usually to blame. This is a more advanced form of gum disease that follows gingivitis and is typically due to a combination of too much bacteria and tartar.

Tartar, as you probably know, is a hardened form of plaque. Unfortunately, this is part of why it's so dangerous for your gums, and it's also why you can't treat it at home. Tartar can't be removed with the tools you have available to you in your home — it can only be removed by a professional in a dentist's office.

When the gums get to this point, they tend to keep bleeding because they're very sick. They're infected and won't stop bleeding until the infection subsides. Thankfully, your dentist can help with this by thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums, stripping away the tartar, and if necessary, draining the infection. Then, the body can start healing itself and recover from the periodontitis.

Gum disease is something that shouldn't be meddled with. If you don't experience relief in a few days' time after the bleeding starts, chances are you need help from a dentist. Advanced gum disease — when left untreated — can put your teeth at risk, too. Don't leave it up to chance. Get in touch with a dentist like Bradley Piotrowski, DDS, MSD, LLC and set up an appointment to get the help that you need.