Why Bleeding Gums Should Never Be Ignored

If you ever notice your gums bleeding, you need to book a dental exam with your Surrey dentist. 

Bleeding gums are the first sign of gum disease, a.k.a. gingivitis. This is an oral health problem 70% of Canadians will experience within their lifetime. Gingivitis is a progressive condition that leads to serious oral health issues if left untreated. The next stage is periodontitis, where gums start to pull away from the teeth, bone loss begins, and bacteria work their way more deeply. At worst, bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to the rest of the body. This creates the potential to cause cardiovascular problems and other issues that could prove fatal.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused by poor dental health: not brushing your teeth twice a day, not flossing, not visiting your dentist twice a year. When you neglect your teeth, sticky bacteria called plaque form on your teeth and below the gumline where you can’t see it. It only takes 24 hours to harden into tartar. That’s why daily cleaning is so important.

Tartar irritates your gums and causes small pockets of infection and inflammation. It’s not usually painful, but will cause some bleeding when you brush or floss. Dental exams and dental cleanings identify and remove tartar so your gums can heal. That’s why twice-yearly checkups are so important.

Gingivitis is known as early gum disease and, at this stage, is reversible. If left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. See below.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is caused by the continuing buildup of plaque and bacteria. The result is irritated gums pull away from the teeth (called gum recession). As bacteria sink deeper, teeth loosen and jaw bone loss begins. In advanced stages, teeth fall out. What makes this become more than an oral health issue is when these bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body. Inflammation and the body’s immune system response create serious consequences for the brain and heart.

Periodontitis is not curable, but it is manageable. Gum graft surgery addresses gum recession, and routine dental exams with Surrey dentists monitor the condition. Regular cleanings clear away tartar and bacteria to reduce inflammation.

The most helpful action you can take is to adopt an oral health routine that includes daily brushing and flossing to halt progression and prevent further bone loss and health deterioration.

Riverside Heights Dental Clinic near the Guildford Mall & Fraser Height has been providing patients with dental exams in Surrey since 1981! For more information give us a call at 604-584-2535. New patients are always welcome!