If you notice that your gums are bleeding, this may occur when you brush or floss your teeth, it probably means that there is a build up of plaque on your teeth which invades the healthy tissues around the teeth. Due to this build up, the gums will become irritated and swollen, and this can be the reason that your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth.
However some systemic conditions or using some medications can cause bleeding gums as well. Your Dentist can diagnose this condition by getting a thorough medical history record.
Bleeding gums that are caused by plaque are usually the first signs of a condition called Gingivitis and it is considered the first stage of gum disease and bleeding gums may be the only warning sign. In some cases you may experience other warning signs such as sensitivity to cold or hot, swollen red or tender gums, recurring bad breath or taste in the mouth, loose teeth, or you may even notice a change in the alignment of your teeth when you bite and chew which are signs of advanced stages of the condition called Periodontitis.
If you do not remove the plaque, it will turn to calculus (tartar) which is a hard deposit and ultimately cause the gums to separate from the teeth and recede. If stage one of gingivitis isn’t treated, then it can progress into a more severe state called Periodontis, which can cause tooth loss.
There are some other factors that may cause Gingivitis such as smoking or chewing tobacco, diabetes, taking certain medications, crooked teeth, broken fillings and unstable immune system.
Your regular home care including brushing and flossing your teeth are most important to avoid any king of Gum problems. Regular professional cleaning (scaling, polishing and root planning) at your Dental office are also very important to maintain healthy Gums and prevent any small gum condition from advancing to Periodontitis and tooth loss.
The information provided is for general information purposes only and not intended to replace professional care. Please consult your physician or dentist for advice and diagnosis so you can be properly treated for your specific situation.
