Bleeding Gums
Although some people consider bleeding gums to be usual for them and it may not be painful, bleeding gums is actually an indicator of an underlying dental or medical problem and should not be ignored.
Bleeding gums can be caused by incorrect brushing/flossing or an accumulation of plaque or tartar (hardened plaque) made up of bacteria. This bacteria causes inflammation, infection, bleeding and swelling of the gums (gingivitis). If the bacteria infects deeper below the gum line, more serious problems can develop that could cause space between teeth, loose teeth or worse still, tooth loss. (periodontitis)
Dr Joseph Paino, the principal dentist at Enhance Dental explains, “If you brushed your hair and noticed bleeding from your scalp you would be concerned. The same should hold true if you have bleeding gums. This is not a trivial condition and it is imperative to have your gums checked as soon as possible.”
Bleeding gums can also be related to hormonal changes during pregnancy or even a sign of a serious medical condition. This can affect your general health and well being. These medical conditions could be diseases such as bleeding disorders, vitamin K deficiency or leukemia. Bleeding gums may also be linked to an increased risk of heart disease due to mouth bacteria entering the blood and causing clots leading to heart attacks.
At Enhance Dental our service, knowledge and diagnostic methods are used to help determine why your gums are bleeding. We can then advise you about appropriate dental treatments and what action you need to take to help prevent this often overlooked or underestimated condition.