A dental crown, often called a cap, restores a damaged tooth by covering its entire visible portion. Crowns are custom-made to fit over a tooth that may be cracked, weakened by decay, or has undergone a root canal. Bleeding around a crown can be a common and concerning issue. This article explores why bleeding might occur and outlines steps to address it.
Why Your Crown Might Be Bleeding
Bleeding around a dental crown often indicates irritation or inflammation of the surrounding gum tissue. A common cause is gingivitis, which is gum inflammation from plaque buildup around the crown’s margin, where the crown meets the gum line. This plaque can irritate the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing.
Improper brushing technique also contributes to bleeding gums. Aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can irritate the delicate gum tissue around the crown. Insufficient oral hygiene allows plaque and food particles to accumulate in the microscopic spaces around the crown, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive and cause inflammation.
The crown’s fit plays a significant role. An ill-fitting crown, with an improper contour, overhang, or open margin, can trap food and plaque, making cleaning difficult. This trapped debris leads to chronic irritation and inflammation of the gums. If the crown extends too far below the gum line, it can also create a persistent irritation that the body reacts to with inflammation and bleeding.
Underlying dental issues beneath the crown can also cause bleeding. A cavity developing under the crown, often due to a poor seal or gum recession, can lead to bacterial infiltration and inflammation. An infection or inadequately treated root canal in the original tooth structure can also cause gum inflammation and bleeding. Trauma, such as accidental injury or biting down on hard foods, can also irritate the gum tissue around the crown, resulting in bleeding.
Steps to Take at Home
If you notice bleeding around your dental crown, take steps at home to improve oral hygiene. Begin by ensuring your brushing technique is gentle yet thorough. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, holding it at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line. Use gentle circular motions to clean the crown and surrounding gum tissue. This helps remove plaque effectively without causing further irritation to inflamed gums.
Floss daily to remove trapped food particles and plaque from between teeth and around the crown’s margins. Gently guide the floss between your teeth, forming a “C” shape around the crown. Avoid snapping the floss down, which can harm the gums.
Rinse your mouth with a mild antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria and inflammation. A warm salt water rinse is a natural antiseptic that can soothe irritated gums and promote healing. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and swish for 30 to 40 seconds, then spit it out. Repeat this two to three times a day.
Consider temporary dietary adjustments if discomfort is present. Avoiding very hard, sticky, or chewy foods in the crown area can reduce stress on the tooth and gums, allowing them to heal. Persistent bleeding or discomfort warrants professional dental evaluation.
When to Consult Your Dentist
While home care can address minor gum irritation, certain signs indicate that professional dental intervention is necessary. If bleeding around your crown persists despite consistent home care for several days, it is important to consult your dentist. Prolonged bleeding signals an underlying issue that requires professional diagnosis and treatment.
Seek dental attention if bleeding is accompanied by pain, swelling, or tenderness around the crown. These symptoms suggest an infection under the crown, gum disease, or other complications. Pain when biting or chewing, or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, also indicate the crown or underlying tooth might be compromised.
Visible issues with the crown itself, such as it feeling loose, fractured, or a noticeable gap between the crown and your gum line, require immediate dental evaluation. A loose crown can allow bacteria to enter and cause decay or infection underneath. A persistent bad taste or odor from the area can also indicate a bacterial infection or decay that needs professional attention. If home care steps do not reduce bleeding or other symptoms, a dental visit is necessary to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.