Bleeding Gums Should Not Be Ignored
A big misconception for many people is that bleeding gums when brushing and flossing is not a big deal. Bleeding gums are actually a very big deal.
Bleeding gums is usually a sign of gum disease which occurs progressively and in stages. The initial stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and is characterised by redness and irritation of the gums caused by the buildup of plaque. Untreated gingivitis will progress and become periodontal (gum) disease.
In most cases, bleeding gums will be a sign of gum disease as opposed to aggressive brushing. Bleeding gums should not be assumed to be the result of aggressive brushing or flossing. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss then it is almost a certainty that they are unhealthy. Visit your dentist if you notice any bleeding from the gums.
The accumulation of plaque on the gum line is another cause of swollen, red, and bleeding gums. Failure to have the plaque removed will make gum tissue swollen leading to spaces between the gum line and the roots of teeth. Infection of the root of a tooth may eventually lead to tooth loss. The recession of the gums may also happen making it difficult to brush without the gums bleeding.
Bleeding gums that are accompanied by symptoms such as loose teeth, sensitive teeth and appearance of elongated teeth suggests advanced gum disease. You could also look out for other symptoms such as incessant bad breath and sore gums.
Immediately visit your dentist who will diagnose the problem and provide the necessary treatment and professional advice. Gum disease is treated through deep cleaning or root planing and scaling to get rid of infection, bacteria and plaque. Early treatment increases the chances of success. Long term success of treatment is reliant on regular brushing and flossing at home.
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Dr Ashley Davenport BDS MFGDP(UK)
I qualified as a dentist in 1995 and can honestly say that I have been doing a job that I love for the past 20 plus years. Most people who know me well know that dentistry is a passion for me and that if I won the lottery I would still want to have some dentistry in my life. I get huge satisfaction from treating patients and making a difference to ...
Dr Catherine Myatt BDS MFGDP(UK)
Cath joined the practice as a dentist in 2002. She and Ashley met on their postgraduate Vocational Training course in Birmingham when they ended up working at the same practice in West Bromwich. When Ashley was looking for an associate at Balsall Common Dental Practice, Cath came to take the role and she has been here ever since. In 2017 Cath...
Colette Lawler BSc Oral Health Sciences
As a dental therapist, Colette loves to provide patients with a bright, clean smile and empowering them with knowledge of how best to look after their gum health. Colette has always had itchy feet…that’s not something she needs to see the doctor about but a statement about her love of discovering far flung places. Colette isn’t travelling ...
Vanessa Carthy CEB Dip Dent Hygiene
As a dental hygienist, Vanessa gets her job satisfaction from educating patients on how to improve their oral hygiene techniques and she gets real pleasure from seeing patient's mouths getting healthier. Vanessa is the crafty member of our team and we mean that in a good way! Vanessa could put Kirsty Allsop the up-cycling queen a run for her mon...
Lorna Ogilvie CEB Dip Dent Hygiene
Lorna joined the practice as a dental hygienist in 2003. A keen traveller before the arrival of her three children, Lorna has stayed much closer to home in recent years. In fact her home has provided her with her biggest challenge to date. Two years ago she and her husband bought an old Victorian house in need of some modernization. What they ended...
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