New Patients 970.205.9614

Current Patients 970.351.6500

5150 W 20th St Greeley, CO 80634

Bleeding Gums Greeley, CO

Gum disease is a common oral health problem that dentists treat every day. The leading cause of this oral health issue is poor oral health habits and bad lifestyle choices. The most obvious sign of gum disease is bleeding gums. Contrary to what many people believe, bleeding gums is not normal and needs to be addressed by a dentist.

Along with sore and painful gums, gums that bleed are typically a sign of gingivitis, the early sign of gum disease. Dr. Joseph Thompson offers treatment for gingivitis and the advanced stages of gum disease in Greeley, CO. He also treats additional dental concerns that new and existing patients have.

Treatment for bleeding gums in Greeley Colorado

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

Your gums may begin to bleed if plaque and tartar sit on them for too long and they become inflamed. Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that will irritate your gums that will lead to this inflammation. They may also recede from your teeth. When this happens, your gums will bleed when you floss and brush your teeth. This is typically the first signs of gingivitis.

However, there are other reasons your gums may bleed. Brushing and flossing too hard, wearing dentures that do not fit correctly, certain medications, pregnancy, and other hormonal changes can all cause a person’s gums to bleed. If any of these are the reasons your gums bleed, you should continue to properly care for your teeth. However, we recommend using a soft bristle tooth brush, use gentle strokes while brushing, and monitor your gums. If your gums continue to bleed, please schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Treatment for Bleeding Gums in Greeley, CO

Dr. Thompson offers several treatment options for bleeding gums. The severity of your condition will depend on the type of treatment he will suggest. Gum disease is a progressive disease and must be treated to preserve the health of your teeth and gums.

Preventive Care & Anti-Bacterial Rinse

If your bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, you may be able to reverse it with some extra oral hygiene care. We will do a thorough teeth cleaning and then recommend improved at home care. Your dentist may suggest that you use an anti-bacterial mouth rinse. This will help kill the bacteria in your mouth and prevent further progressions of your gum disease.

Scaling & Root Planing

This procedure is an intense, deep cleaning for patients with bleeding gums due to tartar build up. Scaling and root planing requires special tools that your dentist will use to scrape away tartar (plaque that has hardened). These tools help him reach tartar that is above and below the gum line. Removing this tartar from deep in the gum pockets will remove the bacteria that cause the gums to bleed. Once this is done, he will smooth out the teeth roots to help gums reattach to the teeth.

Laser Dentistry

Bleeding gums and periodontal disease may cause the gum tissue to become inflamed. This tissue will need to be removed to help preserve the health of your teeth and gums. Laser dentistry uses a high beam of focused light to break up this diseased tissue, along with plaque, tartar, and bacteria to eliminate from deep in the pockets of the gum line. With the use of lasers, your dentist can treat gum disease without the need for surgery, sutures, or a long recovery time. There is less bleeding and the procedure is far less painful for the patient.


If you are experiencing bleeding gums, book an appointment with Dr. Thompson at his Greeley, CO dentist office today. You can reach our office at 970.205.9614 or you can request a visit online.