Bleeding Gums Disease

Bleeding Gum Disease:

Bleeding of gums can be caused by a number of reasons such as inflammation, vitamin K deficiency or incorrect brushing technique. The most common reason is the build-up of plaque causing bacterial infection, leading to a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis can be prevented by proper oral hygiene. Bleeding gum disease, if left untreated can result in loss of teeth.

Here’s the good news about gum disease It’s preventable and manageable. The bad news however, is that if your gums are red, swollen, inflamed or bleeding, you probably have the symptoms of a disease that could lead to eventual tooth loss, and possibly contribute to other serious conditions such as heart disease and stroke.

Bleeding Gums

Primary Signs of gum disease?

Healthy gums are pale pink in colour, have a smooth or speckled texture and are firm and rigid. The tissue between the teeth should be shaped like a wedge.

If your oral hygiene is good, your teeth and gums shouldn’t bleed, be painful, or feel rough or sharp when your tongue runs over them. In addition, your breath should stay fresh for at least a couple of hours after you’ve brushed them in the morning.

In the early stages of gum disease you’ll notice:

  • Swollen and inflamed gums
  • Some slight smell or odour on your breath
  • Occasional evidence of blood when you brush your teeth.

As the disease progresses, the symptoms become more severe. The blood is more frequent; the odour is stronger; you may have an occasional bad taste in your mouth; and there is an increasing amount of pain, especially when chewing. In addition, unlike simple plaque, tartar easily stains, leaving brown or yellow marks on your teeth. These are even more pronounced in smokers.

In the advanced stages, gum disease leads to:

  • Deep infections in the bones and gums
  • Offensive breath and bad taste
  • Extensive bone loss
  • Very loose, crooked and disfigured teeth.