15 Jan Dental Myths: All Gums Bleed During Dental Checkups
Your dentist or dental hygienist does nothing to provoke your gums to bleed during a cleaning or dental exam. However, unhealthy teeth and gums might bleed with the slightest exposure to the teeth cleaning instruments used to remove plaque build-up and stain.
There are multiple symptoms to suggest you may be experiencing gingivitis or the onset of gum disease.
Bleeding gums – If gums bleed during brushing, you may be using too much pressure or a hard bristle tooth brush. Ease up, and switch to soft bristles. Better yet, acquire an electronic tooth brush. All you do is guide it around your mouth, and let it do the work.
Red, swollen gums – Healthy gum tissue is firm and pink. Enflamed gums usually mean you are dealing with some type of oral health issue that requires a visit to the dentist.
Bad breath – We all can experience bad breath following consumption of powerful foods or beverages. But if you are experiencing halitosis on a chronic basis, it might be time to see your dentist for a check-up.
Loose teeth – If gums appear to be pulling away from a tooth or one or more teeth feel loose, you need to get to the dentist right away. You may be experiencing periodontitis, a serious gum condition that if left untreated can led to tooth loss and infection.
The main causes that can lead to gum disease include a lack of daily hygiene care, ineffective care, missed dental appointments, poor diet, tobacco use, illicit drug use and chronic illness.
It is important to note that it is not necessary for your entire mouth to be involved with gum disease. Whether it’s one tooth, one quadrant, or one arch, gum disease can affect a small or large area. Quite often teeth that are crooked can harbor areas where the tooth brush and dental floss are not as effective as we think. These areas become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Even the most arduous patient can experience issues with gum disease. The important lesson we can learn from the dentist is to watch the areas of concern, be vigilant with daily oral care, and keep the recommended twice yearly dental visits for cleaning and exam. Patients who have periodontal issues may require more frequent dental visits to keep their dental health in check.
To schedule a check-up and professional cleaning, call our office today!