Dentist in Mount
Kisco, NY, Dr. Steven Abel Talks About Bleeding Gums
Do your gums bleed
when you brush or floss your teeth? Or
worse…do they bleed when you eat certain foods?
While bleeding gums or gum sensitivity is not uncommon, the condition, known
as gingivitis is typically a sign of more serious underlying oral health issues. Left untreated, the bleeding gums, or
gingivitis can even progress to more complex conditions like periodontal
disease that could lead to the loss of teeth.
The bacteria associated with periodontal disease has also been
associated with other illnesses like heart attacks, stroke, low birth weight
babies, and Alzheimer’s Disease, just to name a few. It can even complicate existing conditions
like Diabetes. Your oral health is directly
connected to your overall health, that’s why it’s such a priority to us.
Treatment for bleeding gums centers on effective oral
hygiene practices paired with comprehensive, routine dental care.
What Is the Condition Known As "Bleeding Gums"
or Gingivitis?
If you have ever been brushing your teeth and seen a bit of
pink when you rinsed out your mouth, this appearance of blood is not
normal. Healthy tissue does not
bleed. When your gums are consistently
inflamed, bleeding, or are sensitive and swollen, you could be at risk for gum
disease or other health issues.
When you have gingivitis, you may also notice other
symptoms, such as bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, redness or tenderness
in your gums, and even receding gums.
What Causes Gum Sensitivity?
One of the primary causes of bleeding gums or gum
sensitivity is the incomplete removal of plaque from the base of the teeth or
gum line. Not eliminating this plaque allows bacteria to grow in your mouth, and
at the gum line. It even begins to
migrate under the gums if it is not professionally removed.
If the plaque is still not removed, it can harden and form
what is called tartar, which eventually causes a more progressive condition
known as gum disease or periodontitis. This disease causes increased gum
bleeding, foul breath, bone loss, shifting of your teeth, and eventually tooth
loss.
While plaque buildup is the most common cause of bleeding
gums, there are other causes as well. Excessive bleeding in your gums may
indicate a bleeding disorder, leukemia, scurvy, vitamin K deficiency, or other
systemic conditions.
Additionally, brushing too hard, ill-fitting dental
restorations, and improper flossing can also cause your gums to bleed. Any bleeding should be checked
by a dental professional and not left to chance!
What Are Some Ways to Treat Bleeding Gums?
Appropriate oral hygiene practices are the best way to
prevent and treat bleeding gums or gingivitis. To maintain good oral health,
you should brush your teeth with a soft-bristle toothbrush after each meal.
Flossing daily or even twice a day is also a recommended practice. Using an antibacterial mouthwash also helps.
In addition to great home care, you should also visit the
dentist at least once every 6 months to have the plaque removed from your teeth
and to get a comprehensive checkup. It
you have ANY signs of gum disease it is really important to see a dentist for a
professional teeth cleaning every 3 months.
Statistically it has been shown that it takes about 3 months for the
bacteria that cause gum disease and bone loss to repopulate the mouth to a
destructive level after a professional dental hygiene visit. By having a professional dental hygiene visit
every 3 months you have the best chance of staying healthy and keeping the
bacteria under control.
If you’ve experienced any bleeding or sensitivity in your
gums, or if it’s been longer than 3 months since your last dental hygiene
visit, give us a call today. We will
find an appointment that works with your schedule. Don’t leave your oral or overall health to
chance.
(914) 241-2242
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