Bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease, the worldwide leading cause of tooth loss and discolouration. Whilst occasional bleeding could be nothing more than the result of brushing your teeth rather vigorously, frequent bleeding of the gums can be an indication of a more serious underlying health issue, such as gum disease.
Plaque build-up and hard tartar on the surface of the teeth is the main cause of bleeding gums and disease. Plaque must be cleaned to prevent not only gum disease but to improve visual appearances and re-vitalise gum health.
Have you ever had a nightmare about your teeth falling out, only to wake up relieved your beloved choppers are still firmly in tact? We’ve all been there. But unfortunately, what is only a nightmare to most of us can transition into a harsh reality for those who neglect oral hygiene and forget to care for their teeth and gums.
Gum disease can be 100% prevented with regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices!
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums is a result of the improper removal of plaque. The healthy tissue around the teeth are attacked by the germs contained in plaque, leading to both gum inflammation and irritation. The effects of this are worsened when you brush or floss your teeth.
There are two main types of gum disease:
Gingivitis Disease
Gingivitis refers to the inflammation of the gums in which the gums surrounding the teeth become red and swollen. Thus, they are more likely to bleed when you brush and floss your teeth. This is the first stage of gum disease.
Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis transitions into periodontal disease after a long period of time in effect. In the worst case scenarios, the bone around the teeth breaks down and loosens the teeth. Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss.
Signs of Gum Disease
Since gum disease is painless in the early stages, you can detect it if you keep vigilant. The first sign of the disease is bleeding gums. You may notice blood in the rinsing water when you spit in the sink when brushing your teeth or by finding blood on your toothbrush. Other signs are bleeding while eating, tongue deposits, metallic tastes in the mouth and bad breath.
How do I Prevent/Treat Gum Disease?
Since plaque is the main cause of gum disease, it is advised to keep it at bay. Make sure that you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis and visit your dentist for a professional cleaning which could involve any of the following cleaning methods:
Ultrasonic Instrumentation
Removing hardened plaque can be difficult and close to impossible with a regular toothbrush, which is why ultrasonic instrumentation is advised to battle this problem. Similar to the vibrations felt by an electric toothbrush, this high tech device vibrates ultrasonically to gently remove hardened plaque from the surface of the tooth.
Hand Instrumentation
Sensitive teeth require extra care and attention, which is why we prefer to use hand held instruments. This is the perfect option for sensitive teeth because it is 100% painless, only consisting of a slight feeling of pressure on the tooth as it is cleaned.
Polishing
After the initial cleaning process, it’s time for the fun part. Polishing is designed to remove any residual or tough external staining that may have been left on the tooth. It improves the colour of the teeth and returns the tooth to their original smooth feeling.
If you’re worried about bleeding gums and their connection with gum disease, give Docklands Dental a call on: 01 6360192
