Every individual has encountered it at one point or another – a tinge of pink in the sink after brushing your teeth, or a small metallic flavour when flossing. One can easily ignore bleeding gums as something not to be worried about and attribute it to using a new toothbrush or over brushing. That is the reality but here is the truth; healthy gums do not bleed. And when your gums bleed more than periodically, then your mouth is trying to give you a red flag that something need urgent attention.
What seems like a little issue of bleeding gums, might have permanent and irreparable effects, not only to your oral health but also to your health in general. Understanding why your gums are bleeding, what the early signs of gum disease are and being informed of where to get the gum bleeding treatment early enough can save your teeth and ensure your health in the long-term.
What Are the Causes of Bleeding Gums?
Depending on the underlying causes which might be mild or severe, bleeding gums may be occasioned by a number of factors. The most prevalent and frequent culprit is plaque; a sticky film of bacteria, which gathers on the gumline. Plaque that is not removed with regularity of brushing and flossing irritates the gum tissue leading to inflammation, tenderness and bleeding.
Other contributory factors are:
- Poor oral hygiene – Weak or irregular brushing enables bacteria to flourish and irritate the gum tissue.
- Hormonal changes – Pregnancy, menstruation and menopause – These changes may increase the sensitivity of the gums and make them more likely to bleed.
- Nutritional deficiencies – Nutritional deficiencies can weaken gum tissue and influence blood clotting, a deficiency in vitamin C or vitamin K.
- Some drugs – Blood thinners, anticoagulants, and certain antiplatelet agents may cause or increase gum bleeding.
- Smoking – Tobacco use hinders blood flow to gums, which makes them weak to resist infection and heal.
- Health related conditions – Diabetes and blood disorders as well as autoimmune diseases can also present as swollen bleeding gums.
The first essential step in treating the bleeding of your gums is to know the underlying cause of the problems.
Recognising Gum Disease Early Signs
The most noticeable point to grasp is that bleeding gums are nearly always among the first gum disease early symptoms. This is a condition known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is the least severe and the most reversible type of gum disease, however, when this is not treated, it may develop into periodontitis, which is much more serious, and destroys the bone and tissue in which your teeth lie.
The symptoms of common gum disease to observe include:
- Bleeding gums during and after brushing and flossing.
- Bleeding and swollen gums that are red or puffy instead of firm and pink.
- Constant bad breath which fails to improve even after brushing.
- Tender, sore gums.
- Sunken gums that make your teeth look longer than normal.
- Loose teeth or a change in the way your teeth fit together when biting.
When you are having a combination of any of these gum disease symptoms, then do not delay. The sooner the gum disease is detected, the simpler and more efficient it is to treat.
Why Bleeding Gums Are Never “Just Normal”
Among the most harmful myths in oral health is the fact that bleeding gums are an ordinary aspect of everyday life. They are not. Bleeding gums will show that your immune system is combating an active bacterial infection within your mouth. This infection does not remain localised and, when unchecked, it produces far reaching effects on the body.
Studies have always found a positive correlation between untreated gum disease and an increased risk of heart disease, such as heart attack and stroke. Bacteria causing gum infections may spread into the bloodstream and cause blood vessel inflammation. Moreover, diabetes patients are more prone to gum disease and poorly controlled gum infections make blood sugar management much more difficult, a vicious circle that cannot be solved without simultaneously addressing both issues.
There are more relationships between advanced gum disease and respiratory diseases, Alzheimer disease, and pregnancy complications, including premature birth and low birth weight. Indeed, the mouth is an opening into the rest of the body and what happens to your gums does not only stay in your gums.
What Does Gum Bleeding Treatment Involve?
The good news is that gum disease especially in the initial stages is highly treatable. The treatment of gum bleeding is based on the severity of the condition and may include:
- Professional cleaning (scale and clean) – In the early stage of gingivitis, cleaning above and below the gumline, as well as, in depth, may be sufficient to restore gum health in conjunction with better home care.
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) – In a more severe instance of gum disease, deep cleaning is performed which involves cleaning of bacteria deposits that extend beyond the gumline and smoothing of root surfaces to prevent further bacteria adhesion.
- Antibacterial therapy – antibiotic rinses, topical antibiotics or topical antimicrobial gels may be prescribed to reduce the number of bacteria.
- Surgical Intervention-Severe cases may need surgery to be done to debride out pocket depth and re-shape gum and bone tissue.
Bottom Line
In the event of any of the warning signs listed above, including, but not limited to bleeding gums when brushing, reddish or swollen gums, or any of the above or combinations of the above, you cannot afford to wait and hope that it will clear up on its own. Early intervention is the best you can do as far as the health of your gums is concerned.
Our skilled staff at Bayswater Dentist focuses on gum treatment that patients at Bayswater can rely on. Whether it is a case of early gingivitis or more developed gum disease, we will provide caring, comprehensive, and efficient services according to your specific needs. As your trusted dentist for gum disease, we are here to assist you in having a healthy painless smile.
What your gums are trying to tell you, do not disregard. Make your appointment now with Bayswater Dentist and make the first step toward having healthier gum and better health in general, starting now.