BLEEDING GUMS MEANS SOMETHING IS WRONG
If you see blood when you brush or floss your teeth, it generally indicates a problem with your oral health. You may think you are brushing too hard, but this is not usually why gums bleed. The usual culprit is dental plaque.
Plaque is the sticky, whitish film of bacteria that forms on your teeth every day. If you brush regularly, you probably remove most of it - but some may remain behind and accumulate where your teeth meet your gums, particularly between your teeth. As the bacteria builds up, along with by-products of their metabolism (the chemical reactions that maintain their lives), they cause inflammation, called gingivitis, in the adjacent gums.
Bleeding gums are an early symptom of gingivitis. Continuing contact with plaque at the gum line can cause your gum tissue to separate from nearby teeth, creating pockets in which the inflammation becomes even worse. The process leads to periodontal disease ("peri"-meaning around, "ondont"-tooth). The increasing infection can eat away the bone that anchors the teeth, leading to possible tooth loss. Periodontal disease is not an uncommon problem. About 90% of the population has bleeding gums at some time or another, and approximately 10% go on the develop periodontal disease.
When you lose bone around your teeth, the gums separate from the tooth and "pockets" from between your teeth and gums. The inflammation and infection may continue within the pockets even if your gums have stopped bleeding when you brush. That's why it is important to have regular dental exams - to check up on and stop periodontal disease before it has a chance to cause serious damage.
SOME REASON FOR BLEEDING GUMS:
- Women who are on birth control pills have elevated levels of hormones which may cause an increase in plaque
- Pregnancy may also increase the level of plaque that cause bleeding gums
- Some medications may also have a negative side effect on your gums
- Some serious systemic diseases can also cause changes in the mouth and gums
The most important way to prevent bleeding gums is to learn proper brushing and flossing techniques so that you effectively remove plaque from your teeth on a daily basis. If you are not using the right techniques, you can make an appointment with your dentist and learn the right technique.
With not too much effort, you can ensure that your teeth are clean and plaque free, and your healthy gums no longer bleed.
