Bleeding gums is a serious dental condition that is not well-publicized. But it is quite common and can affect anyone – at any time – who is consistently negligent in their daily oral hygiene practices.
What role does plaque play in bleeding gums?
In the case of bleeding gums, plaque plays a starring role. In other words, everyone starts out with tissue around their teeth that is healthy. But. Once the tissue is attacked by germ-carrying plaque, the healthiness of your gums is mitigated. They become irritated, inflamed and then – when your floss or brush – they bleed.
Once your gums begin to bleed due to plaque accumulation, you have a condition referred to as gingivitis. Even though it is unlikely that you will feel any pain when your gums bleed, they are an indicator of the initial phase of a larger problem; namely, gum disease.
However, gingivitis can be joined by other indicators in addition to bleeding gums. You could experience tender, painful, or swollen gums. You could also have constant bad breath, a biting pattern change, or loose teeth. If you don’t postpone getting treatment, these conditions can be treated, cured and the damage can be reversed. But again, you cannot neglect to begin treated by your dentist.
How does plaque accumulate?
Let’s start at the end of the situation. If plaque is left untreated, or if flossing and brushing aren’t being done correctly, plaque builds up. This leads to separation or withdrawal of your gums from your teeth. Once this starts happening, and your gums actually recede pockets form. Germs immediately are drawn to these pockets. Then they gather inside them and destroy your gums as well as your teeth-supporting bones.
Plaque then becomes tartar. This is when gingivitis transforms into periodontitis. Periodontitis can not only lead to the loss of teeth it can actually have a negative effect on your health overall. This is expanded upon below.
It cannot be stressed enough to visit your dentist as soon as your gums first bleed. At the first sign of bleeding gums, make and keep an appointment with your dentist. Early diagnosis and treatment of bleeding gums can preempt further issues like losing your teeth and other health conditions.
What other aspects of your health are affected by bleeding gums?
Almost considered common, bleeding gums and gum disease can lead to serious health conditions that are not related to your oral health. Among the conditions are cancers, diabetes, strokes, and heart problems. Furthermore, it is claimed by experts in the field that gum disease can affect a man’s health sexually. The relationship between periodontal disease – and the symptomatic inflammation – and other diseases is rooted in the inflammation that is caused.
For more information regarding anything related to your oral health, give Dr. Apsey of Smile Brightly Dental a call today! We are located in Warren, MI and we can be reached at 586-573-7700!
If you haven’t yet made regular dental visits a priority in your life, the association of plaque, bleeding gums, and other serious health conditions should motivate you to begin doing so.