Bleeding gums should never be ignored. Noticing spots of blood when you brush your teeth may not seem a big deal but the problem is in many cases an early warning sign of gum disease. Left untreated, a gum infection will invariably escalate to a serious, painful condition that may even require dental surgery.
Periodontitis is the medical name for diseases that attack the soft tissue and bones supporting the teeth and jaw. The initial stage manifests itself as gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by a build-up of bacteria-laden plaque and tartar on the surface of teeth near the gum line.
Unless checked, the problem will progressively worsen, threatening the supporting bone structure. If the condition is caught early, minimally-invasive procedures such as scaling and root planing will be sufficient to address the issue. If, however, the infection has taken a firm hold, surgical options may be the only answer. These include bone or soft tissue grafts and pocket reduction (flap surgery) to fold back gum tissue and get rid of the bacteria beneath.
Here, with the help of Kitchener & Waterloo Emergency Dental Services, we’ll look at some common reasons why gums bleed…
Causes of Bleeding Gums
The most common reason for bleeding or swollen gums is poor oral hygiene – inadequate daily brushing and flossing. This can quickly result in an accumulation of plaque and tartar on the gum line and teeth. So make sure you’re brushing your teeth in the morning and evening, and flossing at least once a day.
An electric toothbrush is particularly effective because the rotation of the head stimulates the gums to promote blood flow, which helps to keep infection at bay. You might also find that a water pick or floss pick is easier to use than conventional string floss. An antibacterial mouthwash after brushing and flossing will boost your at-home oral health program.
Smoking can cause stained, swollen and bleeding gums when toxins in cigarettes weaken the gum tissue, making it easier for bacteria to spread. If you smoke, and want to kick the habit to improve your oral hygiene and overall health, ask your dentist abut smoking cessation programs.
Many women experience pregnancy gingivitis, caused by hormonal changes that alter the body’s response to bacteria. A dental check-up and regular brushing and flossing will help to minimize the problem, and the symptoms should disappear after pregnancy.
Another cause of bleeding gums is blood-thinning medication such as warfarin, which lessens the blood’s effectiveness in clotting. If you think a prescription anti-coagulant might be the reason your gums are bleeding, consult your doctor and/or dentist.
Gum disease tends to run in the family. If you’re unsure about the dental history of your family, ask your dentist about DNA testing that can detect strains of gum disease.
Kitchener & Waterloo Emergency Dental Services stresses that what you eat also plays a big part in oral health. Vegetables, fruit and food high in vitamin C are good, but acids, sugars and starches will create a breeding ground for harmful microbes.
Bleeding Gums No More!
If you’ve noticed your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth, see your dentist or oral hygienist as soon as possible, to find out what’s causing the problem.
With a proper oral hygiene routine at home, plus deep cleaning by a dental professional, a minor gum infection can be cleared up before it takes a strong hold and begins to spread to other parts of your body such as the heart, lungs and brain.
If you need further advice, contact us today.