Do You Have Bleeding Gums?

Do your gums bleed when you brush and floss? It is easy to dismiss this sign as being down to over-vigorous brushing, but healthy gums shouldn’t be this fragile and it is likely you have the first signs of gum disease.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that is normally caused by poor oral hygiene. Initial symptoms include bleeding gums and this early stage of the disease, called gingivitis is easily curable. Unfortunately, many people will ignore this symptom or might not even notice it and eventually gingivitis will develop into periodontitis. This is an extremely serious condition that frequently leads to tooth loss and which can affect your general health. The same infection that causes periodontitis can worsen existing health problems such as diabetes and may increase your risk of developing diseases that include cardiovascular disease, dementia and rheumatoid arthritis.

How We Can Help You

Regular check-ups will soon detect the first signs of gum disease but if you notice your gums have begun to bleed then please come and see us as soon as you can. Gingivitis can often be treated with a professional cleaning and advice on improving your brushing and flossing routine. Periodontitis will need more advanced care and treatment may be ongoing.