If Your Gums Bleed, You May Be Suffering From Gingivitis
If you find blood on your toothbrush, even when brushing your teeth gently, you could be suffering from gingivitis. This is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial growth. It is found between the gaps in the gums and the teeth and on the teeth themselves. Additional symptoms of gingivitis may include but are not exclusive to a bright red or shiny appearance of the gums, gums that are tender when touched, swollen gums which are abnormally enlarged, mouth sores and bad breath or halitosis. Gingivitis is a periodontal (gum) disease that is very varied, and the etiology has been separated into both local and systemic causes which involve inflammation and or infection. This infection is able to destroy the supporting tissue of the teeth if it is left unattended. Resulting bad breath from the inflammation is able to cause loss of self-esteem, and in severe cases even social isolation. There is growing evidence from medical research that gum diseases such as gingivitis may make people more prone to general inflammations of the body, heart disease, osteoporosis, pancreatic cancer, stroke and arteriosclerosis. The bacterial plaque and calculus (tartar); plaque accumulates in the gaps between the gum and teeth and tartar actually forms on the teeth and a way to treat this problem is by dental debridement. This means apart from a normal brushing routine, you seek the professional assistance of a dental hygienist or dentist to remove the plaque and tartar by scaling and root planing. Although the accumulations of these bacteria may be very small it can still produce toxins which cause gum inflammation. Over years the build up of this infection has the affect of causing deep fissures between the teeth and gingiva, affecting the ligaments, bone and gum tissue which hold the tooth in place. This loss of supporting tissue can cause the tooth to become loose, in which case it may fall out on its own or require extraction. Professional dental cleaning is suggested traditionally, for every 6 months. However in the case of recurring gingivitis inflammation it may be recommended for every 3 – 4 months, as it takes plaque approximately 3 months to grow back again. Author: Scott W. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. If you have or think you might have gum disease or any other kind of health problem, visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment.
