Happy Healthy Gums
22/05/2018
Spitting blood when you brush your teeth is not normal. In fact, it could be an early sign of gum disease and can be the first stop on the journey to tooth loss. Whether you see blood in the sink when you brush occasionally or every day, you should never ignore it, and instead take action into how to stop bleeding gums.
BLEEDING GUMS
Bleeding gums tend to be caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly builds up around, on and in between your teeth. If plaque bacteria is not removed, it can irritate the gums, leading to redness, bleeding and inflammation. However, there are also a number of other reasons for bleeding gums. These include over-brushing teeth or brushing too hard, a new toothbrush or flossing routine, and some medications.
HOW DO I STOP BLEEDING GUMS?
Regardless of what you think might be the cause of your bleeding gums, the best thing to do is speak to your dentist as soon as possible. They can investigate your symptoms and then advise on the best way to stop your bleeding gums. There are also a number of simple steps you may wish to consider when it comes to treating bleeding gums – changes to your oral health routine that could help stop the problem becoming more serious.
BAD BREATH
Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath and there are many reasons why people might experience it. These can range from what we eat and drink, to how well we look after our teeth and gums. If you notice you have halitosis, it could also be a sign you are suffering from something more troublesome, like gum disease.
HALITOSIS
There are a number of causes of bad breath. The build-up of plaque bacteria around, on and in between your teeth is one of them. This is because when the bacteria breaks down pieces of food in your mouth, it releases an unpleasant smelling gas. Halitosis can therefore be an embarrassing and unpleasant condition to suffer from. Don't worry though, your dentist has the answer for solving bad breath too!
SWOLLEN GUMS
While healthy gums are pink and firm, swollen gums tend to be red and puffy. They are often one of the early symptoms of gum disease. The most common cause of swollen gums is plaque that constantly builds up on, around and in-between your teeth. It tends to develop when food particles containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches) are left to linger in the mouth. Unless the plaque bacteria is removed, by brushing, it can cause swollen gums around the tooth. This inflammation may eventually spread to the gum socket that holds the tooth. There are other causes of swollen gums too, though, so it’s important to talk to your dentist if you have any concerns.
RECEDING GUMS
The term 'receding gums' refers to when your gums draw back from your teeth, exposing the root beneath. The first sign tends to be increased tooth sensitivity, but you may also notice a tooth looks longer than normal or feel a notch where the gum meets the tooth (the area known as the gum line). Although a common dental problem, gum recession should not be ignored as it can be a sign of gum disease.
WHAT CAUSES RECEDING GUMS?
Receding gums can be caused by a number of factors, including: ageing, brushing too hard or even poor oral health. If the cause of receding gums is not identified, and it is allowed to continue, gum recession can lead to more serious problems. The gum may start to come away from the tooth, creating 'pockets' around it where even more plaque can build up. Over time, these pockets deepen, gums continue to recede and teeth can become loose.TREATING RECEDING GUMS
It’s a stark fact: once gums start to recede, they do not grow back. This means that noticing and treating receding gums at the earliest stage – and before it develops into anything worse – is vital.
TOOTH LOSS
As a child, losing a tooth feels like a rite of passage on the journey to adulthood. But as a grown-up, it’s a distressing and irreversible experience, with long-lasting consequences for the look and feel of your mouth and even your self-confidence. There are a number of reasons why you might suffer from tooth loss as an adult. You can lose teeth in an accident or as a result of medical conditions, but one of the leading causes of lost teeth is the serious, irreversible stage of gum disease called 'peridontitis'.
WHY PERIODONTITIS MAY LEAD TO TOOTH LOSS
Healthy gums are vital to the health of your teeth. The journey of gum disease begins with a build up of plaque bacteria, which can irritate the gums. This can make them red and swollen and they may also bleed when you brush and floss. These are the signs of the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis. If this is left untreated it can develop into the irreversible second stage, periodontitis and eventually, tooth loss.This is because the build-up of plaque bacteria can cause the gums to recede from the teeth, leaving tiny spaces where more plaque can collect and infections occur. Left untreated, these infections may impact the bone and tissues in your gums, if this is damaged teeth may become loose. The key to preventing periodontal tooth loss is to never let things get that far. Regular check ups with your dentist are vital as, unlike toothache or sensitivity, gum disease is not always painful. In fact, to begin with, you may not even notice you have it at all, but a professional examination can pick up early signs so you can take steps to treat gum disease before it gets worse. This is especially important if you smoke, as smoking can mask the symptoms of gum disease.
The Corsodyl Treatment Range is clinically proven to treat and prevent gingivitis. You can purchase Corsodyl Treatment Products when you next visit Oak Lodge if you are experiencing persistent or worsening gum problems.