Reasons NOT to Ignore Bleeding Gums
Often people brush their teeth and find that their gums are bleeding, even just a little. Seems like it is easy to blow off, but let’s discuss the reasons that you shouldn’t.
Bleeding gums are the first stage of Gum Disease, called Gingivitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissue caused by bacteria wherein the gingival tissue becomes red, swollen and forms blood blisters inside the pockets of gum tissue surrounding your teeth. When these blood blisters are disturbed by either brushing or flossing they break open and blood rises to the top of the gingiva where you can see it.
Do You Still Floss if Your Gums are Bleeding?
Mentality would make it easy to just not floss if flossing makes your gums bleed. But by skipping out on the flossing, it is actually worsening the situation.
If you don’t floss, the bacteria that cause gingivitis will destroy the fibers that attach your gum tissue to your teeth. This increases the depth of the collar of gum tissue around your teeth. After time, the pockets will become too deep and you will no longer be able to remove debris by brushing and flossing. When this happens the pockets become progressively deeper and the periodontal (gum) disease will worsen.
How Do You know if You Have Gum Disease?
As the disease progresses, the only symptoms are red, swollen gums and painless bleeding of the gums. Food and debris that are trapped in the pockets with nowhere to go may also cause you to experience bad breath.
Gum Disease Prevention
On an average, more than three-quarters of American adults over age 35 get periodontal (gum) disease.
With relatively no pain, it is one disease that will seem harmless until the damage is done. The best way to prevent bleeding gums and gum disease is to stay on top of your dental care.
- Floss before brushing your teeth.
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Rinse your mouth daily with an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Stay hydrated by drinking the proper amount of water.
- Eat a sensible diet low in sugar and starches, high in Vitamin C and calcium.
- Follow up with regular visits to your local dentist.
