Many patients believe that bleeding gums is acceptable, others ask why their gums bleed. Bleeding gums is a warning sign that periodontal disease has taken hold in your mouth.
Numerous articles are now written about the association of periodontal disease (gum and bone disease in the mouth) and a persons overall health. Conditions such as diabetes or heart issues can be adversely impacted when you have periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria around your gums and teeth. You can remove the sticky film of overgrowing bacteria (plaque) with diligent brushing and flossing daily. If plaque is left unattended, in as short as three days damage can begin. The cells of the bacteria die, and their outer shell calcifies. These calcified shells pile up and form the hard calculus that your dental professional then must remove. The calculus acts like a splinter and irritates the gums, they bleed, toxins slide down to the bone holding your teeth and then the boney housing holding your teeth slowly dissolves. Dissolved bone leads to loose teeth and eventually premature tooth loss.
If you experience bleeding gums, Halitosis (Bad Breathe), loosening teeth, a salty flavor in your mouth and or oozing yellow material (pus); then you should contact your dentist soon. If you are not comfortable with your dentist contact me. My staff and I pride ourselves on communication and creating a bond of trust with our patients.
Remember Smile often, Laugh much Floss always.
