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How to Stop Gum Bleeding Before Your Urgent Dental Care Visit?

gum bleeding

Most people don’t take gum bleeding very seriously. During brushing, even if they spot blood, they let it go, but have you ever considered that it might be more serious than it appears? 

Yes, mild bleeding during brushing can be normal, but persistent and sudden bleeding may indicate infection, disease, trauma, or complications that require urgent dental care.

If your tooth is bleeding heavily, accompanied by pain and swelling, you require urgent dental care. Before you get an urgent dental appointment for bleeding gums, you should manage the bleeding by relying on the tips shared in this blog.

Read on!

Common Causes of Sudden Gum Bleeding

Gum bleeding can be caused by:

  • Gingivitis or early gum disease
  • Aggressive brushing or flossing
  • Vitamin deficiencies (especially Vitamin C and K)
  • Oral infections or abscesses
  • Hormonal changes
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Blood-thinning medications
  • Trauma from sharp foods or dental injuries
  • Advanced periodontitis

Seek care at a walk-in emergency dental clinic at the earliest for a quick diagnosis.

What to Do Immediately When Your Gums Start Bleeding?

Here are some steps that will help control bleeding and prevent further irritation:

Rinse Gently with Salt Water

Mix warm water with salt and rinse gently. It will disinfect the area, reduce inflammation, and soothe irritated gums.

Apply Gentle Pressure with a Clean Gauze

Take a sterile gauze pad and press it gently against the bleeding gum. Hold it for 10-15 minutes and let it clot. Avoid spitting frequently to prevent dislodging the clot. 

Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, or Irritating Foods

Smoking delays healing, and alcohol or spicy foods can further irritate the gums. Avoid them until you see a dentist.

Use a Cold Compress

Place a cold compress or ice pack on the outside of your cheek near the bleeding area. It reduces swelling and constricts blood vessels to slow bleeding.

These tips can only slow down the bleeding temporarily, and you should schedule an urgent dental appointment for proper care. 

When Gum Bleeding Becomes a Dental Emergency?

You need immediate care when:

  • Bleeding that lasts more than 20 minutes
  • Large amounts of blood or sudden heavy bleeding
  • Bleeding accompanied by fever or swelling
  • Pus around the teeth
  • Severe pain or loose teeth
  • Recent dental trauma

These indicate infections, abscesses, advanced periodontitis, or injuries that require urgent attention at an emergency dental clinic

Treatment Options Available at an Emergency Dental Clinic

Depending on the diagnosis, the dentist will prescribe any of the following services:

Urgent Dental Extraction Services

If a tooth is severely infected, broken beyond repair, or causing gum trauma, urgent dental extraction services may be necessary. If there is no other option, the infected tooth will be extracted, and the infection will be stopped from spreading. 

Emergency Root Canal Services

When the infection has reached the pulp, a root canal is necessary. The infected tissue is removed, the cavity is sterilized, and it is filled with gutta-percha to prevent bacteria and infection from spreading to other teeth. 

Other treatments include deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or gum sutures, depending on the severity of the condition.

How to Prepare for an Urgent Dental Appointment for Bleeding Gums?

Here are a few tips to prepare before a dental appointment:

  • Gently clean your mouth without brushing the affected area
  • Bring a list of medications you take
  • Note when the bleeding started and what triggered it
  • Avoid eating hard or hot foods
  • Keep applying pressure if bleeding resumes
  • Arrive a few minutes early to fill out the necessary paperwork

An urgent dental appointment can help the dentist diagnose the problem early and treat it before it becomes more severe. Time is of the essence here, especially if a severe infection is the cause of the bleeding gums. 

Preventing Future Gum Bleeding

Check out these tips to prevent gum bleeding in the future:

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Floss gently and consistently
  • Schedule half-yearly dental visits
  • Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Quit smoking
  • Replace toothbrushes regularly
  • Avoid chewing hard foods or ice

These good habits will help you avoid the pain and inconvenience of bleeding gums and infections. 

Why Choose a Walk-In Emergency Dental Clinic?

When you need immediate attention, a walk-in emergency dental clinic is the best option for your care. The advantages of this choice include:

  • Same-day treatments for bleeding gums
  • Quick pain relief and infection control
  • Availability during extended hours
  • Affordable and accessible care options

Choose an affordable emergency dental clinic, such as Peace of Mind Dental Studio, for prompt care that won’t cause financial stress. 

Conclusion

Gum bleeding should never be ignored, especially if it’s severe and sudden and is accompanied by pain and swelling. It indicates an infection that can impact the surrounding tissue and bone as well if not treated in time. Only a professional diagnosis can identify the true cause and provide the appropriate treatment.

Urgent dental care can save your teeth. Visit Peace of Mind Dental Studio, the premier dental emergency clinic in Chandler, for affordable and urgent dental care.

Contact us to book an appointment or walk in for any emergency dental services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Que: How can I tell if gum bleeding is a dental emergency?

Ans: If bleeding is heavy, persistent, and sudden and accompanied by pain and swelling, it’s an emergency. 

Que: Can I visit a walk-in emergency dental clinic without an appointment?

Ans: Yes, walk-in clinics accept patients without appointments for dental emergencies. 

Que: What should I do before reaching a dental emergency clinic?

Ans: Rinse your mouth with salt water, apply a cold compress, use gauze to apply slight pressure, and avoid irritants such as alcohol or smoke. 

Que: Are urgent dental extraction services painful?

Ans: No. Dentists use local anesthesia for the procedure, making it painless. 

Que: How much does an affordable emergency dental clinic cost?

Ans: The dental clinic costs vary. At Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, we offer flexible payment options for urgent care.

Written by Dr. Silverman

Dr. Silverman is the co-founder of Peace of Mind Dental, a Chandler Arizona, general dentistry practice.

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