Gum complaint · Rotterdam West

Inflamed or bleeding gums?

Do your gums bleed when brushing, or are they red and swollen? That is not normal, but a sign of inflammation. At an early stage it is well treatable. Learn the cause, what you can do yourself and how Tandarts West, your dentist in Rotterdam West, helps you.

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Dentist at Tandarts West in Rotterdam West calmly discussing the treatment of inflamed and bleeding gums with a patient. Own dental hygienists, new patients welcome.
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Gingivitis often visibly less
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Why are bleeding gums a signal that counts?

Many people accept bleeding gums as something normal. But healthy gums do not bleed, not even with firm brushing. Blood when brushing or flossing is almost always a sign of gum inflammation. In the early stage this is called gingivitis: the gums are red, swollen and bleed easily. This is good news, because gingivitis is usually reversible.

If the inflammation stays untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Then the inflammation also affects the jawbone around the teeth, the gums recede and teeth can become loose over time. Lost bone does not return, but further decline can be stopped with good treatment. That is why acting early pays off.

At Tandarts West in Rotterdam West we tackle the cause: plaque and tartar along the gum line. Our dental hygienists clean professionally and give tailored brushing advice. Read also our article on preventing and removing tartar.

Where it comes from

Causes of inflamed gums

Plaque almost always plays a role, but some factors strengthen the inflammation.

Plaque and tartar

The main cause. If plaque stays along the gum line, it hardens into tartar with a rough surface where even more bacteria attach.

Smoking and lifestyle

Smoking worsens the inflammation and masks bleeding gums, so problems are discovered later. Stress and a sugar-rich diet also play a role.

Health and hormones

Diabetes, hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty), a dry mouth from medication and genetic predisposition make the gums more prone to inflammation.

Get started yourself

What you can do yourself

With a good routine gingivitis often reduces within 1 to 2 weeks.

1

Keep brushing

Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft brush, especially along the gum line. Do not stop brushing because it bleeds.

2

Clean between teeth

Use floss or interdental brushes daily. That is where the inflammation begins, because the brush does not reach.

3

Limit sugar, do not smoke

Fewer sugar moments and stopping smoking help the gums recover visibly.

4

Plan a cleaning

Still bleeding or tartar present? A professional cleaning by the hygienist tackles what you cannot remove yourself.

If the gums keep bleeding for more than two weeks, or recede, make an appointment. This information is general guidance and does not replace personal advice from your dentist or dental hygienist.

At Tandarts West

How we treat inflamed gums

From a targeted cleaning to a periodontal treatment with deeper inflammation.

1

Examination

We assess your gums, measure the pockets if needed and see how deep the inflammation goes.

2

Cleaning

The dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar, also below the gum line, and polishes the surface smooth.

3

Brushing advice

You get personal advice on technique and tools, so you keep the inflammation under control at home.

4

Aftercare

With periodontitis a phased treatment with follow-up follows, to see whether the gums recover.

Cost

What does the treatment of inflamed gums cost?

The NZa sets the rates. The cost depends on the cleaning and whether a periodontal treatment is needed.

Dental cleaning

NZa rate
With the dental hygienist
  • Remove plaque and tartar
  • Tailored brushing instruction
  • Often via supplementary insurance
Plan a cleaning

Periodontal treatment

NZa rate
M-codes with periodontitis
  • Pocket measurement and phased cleaning
  • Often covered by basic insurance once diagnosed
  • Estimate in advance
About periodontology

Children up to 18: regular dental care via basic insurance. Adults: dental cleaning via supplementary dental insurance. Questions about cost?

Frequently asked questions

Gum inflammation · frequently asked questions

Are bleeding gums normal?
No. Healthy gums do not bleed, not even with firm brushing. Blood is almost always a sign of inflammation (gingivitis). At this early stage it is usually reversible with better oral hygiene and a professional cleaning.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is a reversible inflammation of the gums only. Untreated it can progress to periodontitis, in which the jawbone is also affected. Lost bone does not return, but further decline can be stopped with treatment.
Should I stop brushing if it bleeds?
On the contrary. It bleeds because of the inflammation, not because of the brushing. Keep brushing gently but consistently and clean between the teeth daily. The bleeding usually stops within 1 to 2 weeks.
What causes inflamed gums?
Mainly plaque and tartar along the gum line. Smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, a dry mouth from medication, stress and genetic predisposition strengthen it.
How does Tandarts West treat inflamed gums?
We start with a professional cleaning that removes plaque and tartar, also below the gum line, plus tailored brushing instruction. With deeper inflammation a periodontal treatment with aftercare follows.
Is the treatment covered?
Children up to 18 via basic insurance. For adults, dental cleaning falls under supplementary insurance. The treatment of periodontitis (M-codes) is often covered by basic insurance once diagnosed. Our reception helps you review your policy.
Can inflamed gums cause bad breath?
Yes. Bacteria in plaque and in inflamed gums produce sulphur compounds that cause bad breath. If you tackle the inflammation and the tartar, the bad breath often disappears with it.

Make your gums healthy again?

Our dental hygienists help you get the inflammation under control. Register as a new patient, usually without a waiting list.

Register Call 010 846 6539
Related

This may also be useful

Looking for a different complaint? See the full overview of all dental symptoms.

Dental hygienist

Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and prevent inflammation.

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Periodontology

With deeper inflammation we treat periodontitis and stop further decline.

Read more

Preventing tartar

How tartar forms and why it can only be removed professionally.

Read the article