You’ve been out of sync with a regular brushing/flossing routine for some time now. You haven’t seen in the dentist in over a year and you’re worried – you decide to make oral health a major point of emphasis, knowing how important it is to your overall health.
You purchase a spool of floss and meticulously work your way through every space, but it’s impossible to ignore the blood spotting that results. What’s happening in your mouth to cause this and how serious is it?
Bleeding gums are less indicative of a significant complication to your oral health as much as they are a red flag – this is often a precursor to developing more serious periodontal disease, better known as ‘gum’ disease.
Periodontal disease gradually develops over time as your gums are continually irritated by plaque and other debris. This is why it’s especially important to remove plaque in hard to reach areas by flossing and using mouthwash.
The condition can compromise many aspects of your health. Periodontal disease gone untreated will eventually cause your gums to recede, forcing them to pull away from irritants. This development can result in the loss of teeth over time.
Gum disease has also been linked to an increased chance of developing heart disease. Individuals with preexisting conditions like diabetes are especially susceptible to developing gum disease.
Fortunately, the condition is reversible. In more mild cases, your dentist will simply tell you to brush more frequently and be absolutely certain to include flossing as part of your routine. In more extreme cases, gum surgery may actually be required to address the infection.
Do your gums frequently bleed when brushing or flossing? It’s time to schedule a visit with your Mesa dentist. We can help remedy the situation and ensure your gums aren’t causing you significant problems.
Why Are My Gums Bleeding?