Our teeth and gums are not something to be taken for granted. Indeed, a lifetime of chewing food can be stressful on the teeth. However, with the right oral hygiene practices in place, issues should be minor. Bleeding gums are one such dental condition. In this article, we take a look at the causes and potential treatments of bleeding gums.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
The main cause of bleeding gums is harmful plaque, and this leads to gingivitis, which is also known as gum disease. If gingivitis is not addressed, it can lead to the onset of periodontitis, which is a more severe form of gum disease.
Other causes include:
- Vitamin K deficiency
- Leukemia
- Blood disorder
- Hormonal changes
If you happen to notice blood when brushing your teeth, make an appointment to see a Gold Coast dentist in Robina town center or a trusted dentist near you. The dentist can find out the cause and recommend a treatment.
Good Oral Hygiene Practices
In order to prevent all forms of gum disease, you need to:
a) brush and floss before and after bed
b) brush and floss after every meal
c) use antiseptic mouthwash
The mouthwash removes plaque and a swish after snacking is a good idea. If you drink coffee in the morning, rinse your mouth with water directly after. The same goes for red wine, which is known to stain your teeth.
Regular Dental Check-Ups
Gum disease takes time to emerge and if you have a dental examination every few months, the dentist will notice the start of plaque build-up and recommend treatment. This is the best known prevention for all sorts of oral conditions, including bleeding gums. Should you ever experience minor dental issues, the dentist will notice when he or she is examining your teeth and gums.
If you don’t have a dentist yet, it’s a good idea to find one that you can regularly visit. A quick internet search for a term like “dentist near me salem” should produce a list of dentists that you can easily reach out to.
Avoid Sugary Foods And Drinks
Sugar feeds plaque and that is the perfect environment for bacteria that can cause gum bleeding. Soft drinks typically contain a lot of sugar, and some desserts are a little over the top, so try to avoid food and drink with a high sugar content.
Treatment For Bleeding Gums
Using a soft-bristle toothbrush is one recommendation. Brushing in a soft, circular motion stimulates cell growth in the gums, while there are special toothpastes for those with sensitive gums. Flossing is another way to prevent bleeding gums. You should master the art of this procedure, making sure the floss gets in between the teeth right to the gum level. It is thought that smoking can increase the risk of bleeding gums. If you find it hard to quit, switch to nicotine gum and help your teeth and gums.
Ask any dentist about diet and they will gladly confirm that a balanced diet is essential for good oral health. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as white meat and fish that contains Omega-3. It is important to stay hydrated, especially in the hot summers we experience.
Krishan Jangir