If your gums are bleeding when you are cleaning your teeth, this is your body’s way of saying there is a problem. Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease and inflammation and it is important to have it checked by a dentist.
What is gum disease?
Gum Disease is a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis is a reversible condition and can be treated with a good oral hygiene routine.
Gingivitis can result in:
- Soreness of gums
- Bad breath (Halitosis)
- Receding gums
- Periodontitis
Gum disease if left untreated can turn into a more advanced gum condition known as periodontitis. Periodontitis is an irreversible condition that affects the supporting bone and ligaments surrounding the teeth, leaving them to become wobbly and can lead to tooth loss.
If you are a smoker you are at higher risk of gum disease, also certain medical conditions, for example diabetes can also affect gum health. Regular dental appointments with your dentist and dental hygienist can help prevent and reduce symptoms of gum disease.
How can you prevent gum disease?
Brushing at least twice a day and cleaning between teeth once a day with floss helps prevent plaque from accumulating.
A good oral hygiene routine at home plays a key role in preventing gum disease. We advise twice daily brushing, and replace your brush every 3 months. When the bristles become worn, your brush will no longer be effective. We also advise daily interdental cleaning (that’s cleaning the surface between your teeth) with dental floss or interdental brushes. Interdental brushes do vary in size and you will need the biggest size you can get through the gaps between your teeth for them to be effective at removing plaque. Your dentist or dental hygienist can go through different interdental cleaning techniques with you, to help find the most effective technique for you.
Our dental hygienists provide a professional dental clean, removing hardened plaque, known as calculus (tartar – which cannot be removed by toothbrushing). They can also reach the tooth surface below your gum margins and everyday toothbrushing and interdental cleaning simply can’t reach.
By removing all the bad bacteria, your mouth will feel significantly fresher and cleaner. You may also notice that your teeth will appear brighter as surface staining is removed.
Gum disease is a manageable condition with a good dental hygiene routine, which will also prevent the disease progressing to periodontitis.
We also offer a direct access dental hygiene service with our dental hygienist Sally Ballard. Meaning that you do not have to see the dentist, no waiting list and new patients are welcome.
If it’s been a while since your last dental health check, you can contact us by calling 01299 403000 or email us at info@bewdleydentalpractice.co.uk
