Bleeding Gums
Bleeding Gums is a very common dental condition that effects up to 90% of people at some stage in their lives. Bleeding Gums are an indicator of poor gum health.
The term dentist’s use for bleeding gums is gingivitis.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva or gum tissue. The main concern for dentists is that gingivitis left untreated can progress to periodontitis also known as gum disease. Periodontitis is where the bone around the teeth starts to break down from the inflammation in the gum tissue, bleeding gums is one of the key risk factors for developing gum disease.
There are multiple causes behind gingivitis. THE MOST COMMON CAUSE IS POOR ORAL HYGIENE NOTABLY LACK OF FLOSSING.
If a patient neglects to floss everyday the plaque build up between the teeth causes the body to react by inflaming the gum tissue.
Another common cause is pregnancy. Hormonal changes can lead to what is termed pregnancy gingivitis. This affects 60-70% of pregnant woman. Other causes include mouth breathing, a genetic history of gum disease and poor/failing dental work.
The good news is that gingivitis can be straightforward to treat and is reversible if caught in time. It is important to find a practice that has a dental hygienist to look after the care of your gums. A dental hygienist is an expert in this field and they will take the necessary time required. The dental hygienist will cover correct brushing techniques, flossing techniques and provide a comprehensive clean of your entire mouth.
