Bleeding Gums

15 / 06 / 2020

Have you found that each time you brush your teeth your gums bleed?

Have you wondered why they are bleeding, swollen and inflamed?

The answer might be gum disease, as these symptoms are an indication of gingivitis, a reversible condition. If left untreated however this condition could lead to much more serious complications that are not reversible.

Gum disease can cause teeth to become loose and result in the need for dental implants.

It is imperative not only for aesthetics but to your oral health as well that the missing tooth/teeth be replaced.

We think that many dentists don’t explain the negative long-term consequences of missing teeth. The negative impacts of losing a tooth can have a huge impact on your oral health.

This is because the jaw can gradually shrink, preventing you from being able to wear any removable denture at all.

Dr Philip McCauley will explain all your options and help you decide the best course of treatment.

Call 01202 973300 to book an appointment.

Stages of gum disease

Gum disease first begins with gingivitis.

The primary cause of gingivitis is when bacteria coats your teeth.

If oral hygiene is poor, it forms a white substance called plaque, usually on or between the teeth. The plaque cannot be removed with regular brushing.

When the plaque hardens on your teeth it becomes tartar or dental calculus, which can lead to serious gum disease if left to buildup.

Once plaque emerges, it must be removed professionally by a hygienist.

If the plaque is not removed the bacteria will destroy the tissues connecting the gums to the tooth and eventually the bone as well.

At this stage, the disease has progressed to the next stage, periodontitis and is irreversible.

Periodontal disease

Gum disease is one of the biggest causes of tooth loss.

Once the gingivitis has progressed to gum disease, the condition of your mouth will not get better without the intervention of a gum disease expert.

Once the gum disease becomes so severe that it progresses into periodontal disease, only a specialist periodontist will be able to treat you.

If left untreated, periodontitis can leave you at risk for heart disease as well as a host of other diseases.

To prevent more serious complications it is important to visit Dorset Dental Implants so we e can examine your mouth, determine the cause of your bleeding gums and begin treatment immediately.

The sooner treatment is carried out the better it will be for your oral health and hygiene.

Patient Question answered by the doctor

“My gums sometimes bleed when I brush my teeth is that something I should be concerned about?”

Yes, you should, just as you should be concerned if you got bleeding from any other part of your body after cleaning it.

Bleeding gums generally indicates “Gum Disease”.

Gum disease is a “chronic disease”, meaning it progresses very gradually, getting worse all the time.

One can get quite advanced and severe problems before symptoms become very noticeable.

Gum problems treated in the early stages are easy to resolve, but much more difficult when advanced.

So, like any dental problem, it is better to seek help as soon as one notices anything unusual or different.

Of course, regular routine consultations and regular Dental Hygienist visits will prevent dental problems from occurring.

Book an appointment for an assessment today.