Many people think it is a normal part of an oral care routine, but dentists warn that bleeding gums are a sign something is wrong. When you brush and floss your teeth, sometimes you may see a little blood coming from your gums. In most cases, bleeding gums are a sign that you may have gum disease. Untreated gum disease can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. These conditions can affect the whole body if you do not seek out dental care.
Bleeding gums are the most common symptom of gingivitis. Leaving plaque along the gumline for too long can cause inflammation. Eventually, the plaque hardens into tartar, which is more difficult to remove. Both plaque and tartar can increase gum bleeding.
A gingivitis diagnosis surprises many people. Most people believe they are brushing their teeth well and have good oral care. While the toothbrush bristles may be too hard, bleeding gums are likely a symptom of gum disease. If people do not address it in the early stages, the condition can develop into a more serious periodontal disease.
In periodontal disease, the gums bleed because of inflammation. The inflammation in the gums can affect other systems in the body. Doctors have linked inflammation from periodontal disease to conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Bleeding gums are an early warning sign that something is going on in the mouth.
Even mild gingivitis and bleeding gums can cause problems later on. It is not clear why gum disease correlates with heart disease later in life, but the connection is strong. Untreated gum disease can increase a person’s chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. Getting gum disease under control at the first signs is crucial to good health in the long term.
An increased chance of stroke or heart disease is not the only potential outcome of periodontal disease. As the disease progresses, patients go from experiencing bleeding and puffy gums to more serious issues. The gums can become very sore and visibly protrude around teeth. Teeth can loosen and eventually fall out.
Patients who were not diabetic but have untreated gum disease are more at risk for developing diabetes. On the flip side, people who have diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease. Uncontrolled blood sugar contributes to the development of gum disease. Diabetic patients must be vigilant with their oral care to ward off periodontal disease.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Rockville, MD
At the first sign of bleeding gums, you should check their oral care habits. Flossing is a key element that many people skip. But it can help you to remove the food particles that cause bacteria to grow and plaque to form. Regular visits to the dentist can also help you to remove stubborn plaque along the gumline. The dentist can help you develop a long-term plan of care for prevention.
Request an appointment or call White Flint Family Dental at 301-273-1085 for an appointment in our Rockville office.
Understanding what causes bleeding gums is vital for preventing this common condition and promoting proper oral hygiene. Dentists can make recommendations to help patients maintain healthy gums and avoid widespread health and oral complications.People frequently dismiss gum bleeding as a normal consequence of overly aggressive brushing or flossing. Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles might…
Though not necessarily abnormal, bleeding gums should prompt further investigation. Bleeding from the gums can have several causes, some of which are easily remedied and others that may require dental care to correct. If you notice blood after brushing or flossing, or if the gums bleed randomly throughout the day, look into the various causes…
Patients do not have to accept bleeding gums as part of routine oral health maintenance as this condition can lead to more advanced forms of gum disease. It can easily be treated with specialized products in the early stages. These patients should visit a dentist as soon as possible after noticing gum inflammation or bleeding…
Understanding what causes bleeding gums is vital for preventing this common condition and promoting proper oral hygiene. Dentists can make recommendations to help patients maintain healthy gums and avoid widespread health and oral complications.People frequently dismiss gum bleeding as a normal consequence of overly aggressive brushing or flossing. Using a toothbrush with stiff bristles might…
A CEREC Dentist® designs, crafts, and places custom ceramic restorations, such as dental crowns and veneers, in a single visit. This approach saves time without compromising quality or long-term results. It also allows patients to avoid messy, uncomfortable impressions and temporary restorations. With precise scanning, on-screen design, and in-office milling, CEREC dentists can deliver high-quality…