Fallacies exist about bleeding gums. They usually come about because people want to ignore the problem. Many people simply do not want to believe bleeding gums are not normal. They think if they forget about it, it will go away. This is not the case. The problems indicated by bleeding gums will not disappear. More importantly, the cause or causes of bleeding gums will continue to exist.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
There are several possible causes for bleeding gums. You could suffer from a medical problem such as hemophilia. You could have diabetes or Van Willebrand’s disease. There is also the possibility that your medication can be the cause. If you are on blood thinners, for example, your gums may bleed. Oral cancer, hormonal changes and vitamin deficiencies can also result in bleeding gums.
Yet, the major cause of bleeding gums is the growth of bacteria in the mouth. If you do not take proper care of your gums, bacteria will increase. If it does, the following will occur:
- Bacteria will continue to grow
- As they increase in numbers, they release toxins into your gum tissue
- Your gums become sensitive. They are swollen and may begin to bleed when brushing occurs
- Bacteria also begin to form a whitish-grey sticky substance on your teeth. This is plaque
- Plaque grows on your teeth. As it does so, further toxins enter your tissue and create pockets in your gums. This begins to separate the placement of your teeth
- It becomes difficult to eat hard foods such as fruit without noticing the changes in your teeth
- Tartar takes the place of some plaque
- Overtime, you develop constant bad breath
- Bacteria continue to release toxins, the gap between your teeth and gums widen, becoming visible.
- As the gaps becomes larger, your teeth begin to loosen
- When the gum disease enters its serious stages, you may lose teeth as they fall out
Bleeding gums is part of a process called gum disease. In the beginning, your gums may bleed only when brushing. Later, they may bleed when you eat. Touching your gums may hurt and cause bleeding to occur. The more sensitive your gums become, the more advanced the disease is. You will progress over time from the early stages of gum disease – gingivitis, to the later stages – periodontitis. Periodontitis has no cure. There is no remedy, only a treatment. This may include the replacement of your teeth.
If you are suffering from bleeding gums, you may have gingivitis. Your dentist can help you treat it. You, yourself, can create a plan to make bleeding gums a thing of the past. The plan is a thorough and proper dental oral hygiene program and continous maintenance.
Ending The Abnormality Of Bleeding Gums
Once you recognize bleeding gums to be abnormal, you are on your way to getting rid of them and gum disease. After you consider what causes your gums to bleed, you can treat it immediately. It all starts, easily enough with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Simply brush your teeth everyday with recommended toothpaste, such as all-natural botanical product. Combine this with daily flossing using the correct width of floss. Add to it a daily rinse or gargle with non-alcohol-based mouthwash or plain salt water.
The final ingredient to this gum disease free program involves your dentist. Be sure to see
Dr. Steppler once a year for a dental check-up, followed with visits twice annually to our dental hygienist. This is for your teeth cleaning. We will make sure all plaque is gone and your mouth is healthy. Follow our regular hygiene program schedule, and you should say farewell forever to bleeding gums.
Conclusion
Bleeding gums are not normal. They are a symptom of a more serious problem. Once the cause is identified, we can treat it. Treatment usually involves the daily execution of a proper dental oral hygiene program. If you stick with this program, you can keep bleeding gums from being a “normal” part of your life.
