Bleeding Gums?

If your gums bleed when you are brushing your teeth or flossing, it is due to a mild form of gum disease, gingivitis. However, it is neither normal nor should you ignore it. Gum disease is one of the leading causes for tooth loss.

Gum disease is a silent disease. Gum disease can be painless without any other symptoms. Left untreated, gingivitis can quickly move from bleeding gums to the tooth loss stage. This is why early detection and treatment is vital to reverse damage.

If one or more of these signs continue for longer than a week, you should visit a dentist right away –

• bleeding gums
• swollen gums
• pus discharge
• pain while eating
• tooth sensitivity
• red or irritated gums
• teeth appearing longer
• bad breath
• loose teeth

Causes of Gum Disease

Gum or periodontal disease is caused due to bacterial plaque that is left to grow and irritate surrounding gum tissues. If plaque is not removed, it grows and hardens onto the tooth surfaces. This hardened plaque cannot be removed by simple brushing and flossing. Eventually the teeth may become so loose that they have to be removed. Only a dentist can remove this plaque, saving your gums and teeth.

Other causes for gum disease can be –

• diabetes
• tobacco products, vaping, cannabis and e-cigarettes
• pregnancy
• some medications

Your oral health impacts your overall health too. Research shows possible connections between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, premature births, diabetes and respiratory disease. This proves why regular professional dental care is so very important.

When you visit a dentist for regular checkups, s/he would monitor the health of your mouth and ensure optimal dental care and early intervention for any developing disease, helping you maintain good oral health.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease can be prevented and early detection is most important to halt the disease. You can prevent gum disease by doing the following –

• Brushing at least twice and flossing a day
• Visit the dentist at least twice every year to have your oral health checked and your teeth cleaned.
• Quit smoking or using tobacco products. Even long-term vaping is harmful since it contains nicotine which decreases blood flow to the gums and reduces your ability to fight bacteria.
• If you have a dry mouth, consult a dentist. Dry mouth allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, increasing the likelihood of gum disease.
• Some medications can trigger gum problems. Talk to your dentist if you have been prescribed some long-term medication.

If you have bleeding gums or you notice any other unusual signs in your mouth, visit your dentist’s office right away. Only your dentist can determine the cause and the best treatment option for your gums, teeth and overall oral health.

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RiggsfamilyDentistry Joined: January 17th, 2019