You know it’s important to brush and floss regularly. But, even the best brusher and flosser may discover bleeding gums during their daily routine. It’s time to hash out the truths behind bleeding gums and why you should take it seriously.
There is nothing normal about bleeding gums. If your teeth bleed when you brush or floss, you have periodontal or gum disease. Bleeding gums should not be ignored! It can erode your jawbone, resulting in tooth loss and your gums being destroyed. In fact, gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss.
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Gum disease not only affects your mouth. It causes health issues in your body, too. Some of these illnesses include allergies, other systemic diseases, and even cancer.
READ: Do You Really Need To Floss? Yes!
Gum disease is very common. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, 80% of adults have some form of gum or periodontal disease. However, only 10% are aware they have gum disease. Pay attention to the signs!
Brush and floss regularly. Healthy gums become diseased within 24 to 36 hours if you do not clean or properly care for them. Use an electric toothbrush. It stimulates blood flow in your gums, releases toxins from your oral tissues and helps bring nutrients to the tissue. Afterward, use an anti-bacterial mouth rinse and toothpaste to decrease bacteria in your mouth. These extra steps will save your teeth!
Eat healthy. Limit your sugar intake and eat six to eight servings of fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water and eliminate the sugary drinks. Calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C, magnesium and fish help strengthen your oral health. Eating well will help your
immune system and keep your oral soft tissues healthy.
If you smoke, this places you at a higher risk for gum disease. Cigarettes have lots of toxins in them. These toxins increase inflammation and impair your body’s immune response. Smoking enlarges your gums and the bacteria that is present on your tooth and gum line then moves into your bloodstream. It causes damage to organs in the body, specifically your heart and blood vessels.
Stressing out wreaks havoc on your immune system and impacts your body’s ability to ward off gum disease. When you stress, your blood vessels become inflamed, breaking down the soft tissue in your mouth and impairing it from healing properly. Manage your stress.
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Family history increases your risk for periodontal disease. Thirty-five percent of those who have gum disease are born with genetics that put them at a higher risk. If gum disease runs in your family, practice preventative measures.
Medication can put you at an increased risk for gum disease. It interferes with blood flow to your tissues leading to dry mouth and less protection of the gums. Tissues can worsen with the presence of plaque.
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Gum disease is contagious. It can be transferred via saliva through shared utensils, drinking from the same cup and kissing. And don’t ever share a toothbrush!
Pregnancy can increase your chances of having gum disease. Approximately 50% of pregnant women have pregnancy gingivitis by their second trimester. Keeping gum disease in check is critical because it can lead to preeclampsia and preterm birth.
Knowing these tooth truths will help decrease your risk for gum disease. Brushing and flossing regularly is one aspect of good oral hygiene, but being aware of these other factors are critical, too.
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