The Causes Behind Bleeding Gums
Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? It may seem like a normal, everyday part of life, but the truth is that healthy gums aren’t supposed to bleed when you’re cleaning them. If they are, there’s something wrong.
Gums bleed when the blood vessels inside of them are dilated, due to an existing infection and/or inflammation. In most cases, this starts out as gingivitis. If not reversed in a prompt manner, the bleeding and swelling can get even worse, progressing into advanced periodontal (gum) disease -which also happens to be the leading cause of tooth loss.
Bleeding gums are usually just one symptom of periodontal disease, even if they’re the most noticeable when you’re flossing or brushing. Other conditions to be on the lookout for include:
• Gum recession
• Bad breath
• Tartar buildup
• Tooth mobility
• Food packing between your teeth
When treated promptly, gum disease can be halted before tooth mobility or loss have a chance to occur. But overlooking bleeding gums when you brush and occasionally floss is dangerous.
Left untreated, such oral infections can allow plaque biofilm to spread directly from your mouth into your cardiovascular system, placing a significant strain on your body.Gum disease is the leading cause of early tooth loss.
Our dentists are well equipped to identify and treat gum disease. We recommend you see our dentists at least every 6 months to maintain healthy gums. Some patients with higher gum health needs or advanced gum disease may need to see our dentists for regular debridement 3-4 monthly or for Non-surgical periodontal therapy (Deep cleans). Your hard tissues (teeth) and soft tissues (gums) are the foundation pillars of your oral health, our dentist’s goal is to guide you and ensure both these pillars are strong and stable to ensure you have good oral health.