Usually, if your gums bleed while brushing or flossing, we assume that the cause is hard brushing. In such a situation, we will start cleaning gently instead of showing it to the doctor, right? Yes, one reason for bleeding gums can be an injury to the gums caused by brushing too hard. But if this happens frequently, you may want to consult a dentist because in some cases, bleeding gums can also be a symptom of a more serious disease.
One of the biggest causes of bleeding gums is the accumulation of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Usually, if there is any residue left in oral hygiene, the food particles start hardening on the teeth within 24 hours, which later results in tartar. It can also be considered a home for numerous bacteria and their protective shield. Once such debris gets hardened on the teeth, it is impossible to remove it with routine brushing. Now, if you do not get your teeth cleaned by the dentist every year, then without your knowledge, it will lead you to gingivitis. Gingivitis is the initial stage of pyorrhea in which symptoms like swelling of the gums, their redness and bleeding are seen.
During menstruation and pregnancy, the hormone progesterone increases blood flow to the gums. These hormonal changes make it easier for bacteria that cause gingivitis to grow in women. About half of pregnant women experience a flare-up of symptoms, usually during the first 3-6 months. According to findings published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, pregnant women with severe gum disease are seven times more likely to have a premature birth, low birth weight, and very high blood pressure (preeclampsia) than healthy pregnant women. Other factors that increase the risk of gingivitis include smoking, stress, poor nutrition, medications, and certain diseases.
Ignoring the symptoms and treatment of gingivitis in the early stages results in "pyorrhea" (a severe form of gum disease) which later has no choice but to manage for the rest of your life. Preventive measures to avoid the disease can always be considered better than cure! But if the disease has already occurred, it is wise to diagnose it and get it treated on time. You will strongly note that treating gingivitis can be considered very important because it can prevent pyorrhea from developing and bring the gums back to their original and healthy form. To avoid problems, get a dental check-up done early in pregnancy or before baby planning (best) and get the necessary treatment.
Thoroughly cleaning your teeth and gums twice a day at home can be considered your best weapon against gingivitis. Getting a “scaling-teeth cleaning” done by a dentist once a year can be considered another best weapon to cover up your carelessness and avoid serious problems. To maintain oral health, you can use a good antiseptic toothpaste and a sonic brush as per your doctor’s advice. With the help of dental floss or water flosser, you can remove particles trapped between two teeth well. For those who have a space between two teeth, an “interdental brush” is very beneficial. You can consult your family dentist to know which product is more suitable for you. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of bleeding gums, you can meet a periodontist, a specialist in gum diseases.
