Is it normal for gums to bleed?
It’s easy to take our teeth and gums for granted. How often do we think that if they don’t hurt they must be healthy or it’s normal for gums to bleed?
Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease and should be taken seriously. Gum disease is painless at first. Current research shows that gum damage and bone loss can occur after as little as three months with bacteria toxins around the teeth. Symptoms may be masked by smoking and diabetics have a great incidence of disease due to their reduced rate of healing.
The great news is that gum disease is one of the few diseases that is preventable.
In dentistry bacteria in the mouth can be very harmful and the most common forms of bacteria we know about a plaque and tartar.
Tartar is often referred to as limescale and is very similar, it’s very tough to remove. Once bacteria have formed into tartar only your dentist or hygienist can remove it with specialist cleaning equipment.
Bacteria in the mouth cause two main problems – dental decay or caries and gum disease. By leaving bacteria it will continue to breed and develop and with time you increase your risk of dental problems.
By visiting the Hygienist regularly you are removing the bacteria before it has a chance to cause the decay or gum disease and therefore Hygienist are used for prevention. To see our video information click here.
With gum disease, the bacteria is strong enough to cause destruction to your gum and bone and this damage can be permanent so it’s important never to allow the bacteria to weaken your teeth’s supporting structure.
The hygienist can also help you with brushing and cleaning tips to keep your mouth healthy for longer and this will also reduce any chances of bad breath.
Bacteria in the mouth have also been linked to many general conditions for example diabetes, Parkinson and heart disease.
If bacteria are left in the mouth for long enough it may not just stay in the oral cavity and can potentially move around the body. If the bacteria in the mouth is strong enough to cause damage to teeth and bone, it can also do a lot of damage to your soft tissues, again another reason why removing the bacteria in your mouth is so important.
At Brixworth Dental Practice our Hygienist is here to help keep your oral health maintained but we are also good for your general health.
Here at Brixworth Dental Practice, Brixworth, Northampton we believe that prevention is key and we welcome you to have a consultation with Jemma Tapp, our hygienist.
Please call us on 01604 880293
