Do your gums bleed during your daily oral hygiene routine?

Bleeding gums are not normal and commonly signify the presence of gum disease. If gentle routine brushing causes your gums to bleed, it is important to notify your dentist right away. Gum disease is a progressive disease that affects not only your smile but the well being of your entire body. Catching gum disease early on can help you manage the spread of bacteria and prevent further damage to your smile.

What Causes Gums To Bleed?

Gums bleed when the gum tissue is infected with bacteria and becomes inflamed. Brushing, flossing, or eating can agitate the sensitive gum tissue causing it to bleed. Plaque and tartar that build up at the gum line contain bacteria. Without routine professional cleanings to remove the buildup bacteria begins to spread, irritating the gumline and can result in inflammation, increased rates of tooth decay and the deterioration of the jaw bone.

Anyone is susceptible to developing gum disease. There are certain risk factors that could increase your risk. Some patients are more predisposed to developing gum disease, while other risk factors can be controlled.

Risk Factors for Gum Disease Include:

• Lifestyle and dietary habits
• Any form of tobacco use
• Genetics
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Use of certain medications
• Pregnancy and hormonal shifts

Stages of Gum Disease

Patients with gum disease are more susceptible to developing a wide range of health complications. Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) is often accompanied by gum recession, tooth loss and even bone loss. Over time patients with periodontitis experience a loss of structure in the face resulting in the regression of the jaw bone and premature aging. Patients with gum disease are also in a demographic more prone to inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Is Gum Disease Preventable?

Gum disease can be prevented and controlled to prevent the spread of bacteria and additional damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw. The best way to combat gum disease is through a proactive oral hygiene routine. Drs. Wooddell and Passaro recommend patients brush their teeth at least twice a day for a full two minutes and floss at least once a day. A healthy diet and avoiding tobacco can also help keep your gums healthy. Patients should visit the dentist for routine dental health exams once every 3, 4 or 6 months, depending on the condition of your oral health.

It is important to practice periodontal maintenance by visiting the dentist for a dental checkup and professional teeth cleaning on a regular basis. Our dental hygienists use special tools that work to remove the plaque and tartar buildup from the gum line. Teeth cleanings can manage bacteria and prevent secondary dental and systemic health conditions from developing.

Periodontal Therapy

Gum disease is a common dental concern that will affect over 50% of American Adults.
Patients with gum disease benefit from more frequent routine dentist visits and improved at home oral hygiene. Drs. Wooddell and Passaro offer comprehensive periodontal therapy treatment plans to help patients restore the health of their gums and teeth. Our dental care team will make personalized oral hygiene recommendations to help you improve the daily care of your teeth and gums.