Bleeding Gums - Why does it happen?

Bleeding gums are the result of an inflammatory disease of the gums.

This is called gingivitis, healthy gums don’t bleed, even in cases of an irritation, such as brushing the teeth. They fit tightly around the teeth, have a light pink color and, when observed at close range, show a fine stippling, like an orange. Bleeding gums are always a sign of gum disease. Oftentimes, you don’t notice the bleeding directly – only when you brush your teeth or when lightly probed, there is a noticeable loss of blood. Bleeding gums in themselves are a symptom and not a disease. The disease associated with bleeding gums is an inflammation of the gums, so-called gingivitis.

The most frequent cause of gingivitis is plaque. So plaque not only causes cavities, but also inflammation of the gums.  Although plaque-induced gingivitis may be influenced by various factors such as medications, or hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy, taking the pill, puberty), plaque is always the major cause and gets the ball rolling.

If the inflammation of the gums is not treated or treated incorrectly, then the inflammation may turn into a chronic inflammation of the gum tissues, or so-called periodontitis. Other causes of gingivitis are, e.g., fungal diseases, congenital – i.e., genetic – diseases, irritations due to foreign objects, also protruding crown margins or filling edges.

The determination of the cause is Dr. Steppler's first step in treatment. In most cases, professional oral hygiene, the removal of the causes, and educating our patients are sufficient to treat gingivitis. Periodontitis cannot be treated with oral hygiene; treatment can only be accomplished through periodontal scaling treatments followed by regular and more frequent periodontal maintenance visits with our hygienist.

Oral Health Helps Overall Health

As if good teeth are not a sufficient reason to keep your gums and mouth in peak condition, your overall good health is ample motivation.

Gum disease - gingivitis - commonly caused by inadequate brushing and flossing, and lack of regular professional cleanings, is present in about 90% of the population; that in turn leads to more serious periodontal disease, which causes or exacerbates other bodily health issues, including holistic well-being.

Conditions caused directly by gingivitis and periodontal disease include:  bad breath, gum abscesses, tooth loss, digestive disorders and oral pain.  Plus it results in greater health care costs to you.  Prevention is better than the cure!

Because the micro-organisms and bacteria in your mouth travel into your bloodstream, your mouth becomes the gateway to your overall health.  For example, there is a labor-inducing fluid in oral bacteria that is proven to cause premature and low-weight births.  In diabetics, who are more susceptible to various other diseases, studies show that regular professional dental cleanings helps control their blood sugar levels.

Most of the oral bacteria that enters the blood stream are harmless, but in a weakened heart or compromised immune system, opportunistic bacteria increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.  Periodontal disease can also worsen respiratory problems and complicate osteoporosis.

Be sure to brush twice a day and floss daily, but there is no substitute for regular professional cleanings to prevent gum disease.  Call us today!

Preventing Gum Disease

The problem begins with bacteria.  Our mouths are packed with these tiny microbes.  They combine with mucus and particles to form a sticky, colorless film - called plaque - on our teeth.  Brushing and flossing can get rid of some plaque.  But many that remains can harden and form tartar, a yellowish deposit that can become rock-hard. 

Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease - technically known as periodontal disease.  The most common and mild type of gum disease is called gingivitis.  The gums become red and swollen, and they can bleed easily.  Daily brushing and flossing and regular cleanings by dental professionals can usually clear up gingivitis.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can become a more severe type of gum disease called periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitus include bad breath that won't go away; gums that are red, swollen, tender or bleeding; painful chewing; and loose or sensitive teeth.  In periodontitus, the gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that become infected.  If you have periodontitis, your dentist may recommend a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing.  In more severe cases, you may need surgery.

In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems.  Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:  Heart disease, stroke, diabetes and premature births.  These alone are excellent reasons to good home care of your teeth and gums every day, along with regular professional cleanings and dental visits.