You wake up one morning, crawl out of bed, and walk downstairs as you struggle to keep your eyes open. You wander into the bathroom, half asleep, and reach for your tooth brush. You brush each and every tooth, making sure to scrub the tops and sides. Then, when you spit into the sink, you notice something: blood. Where is it coming from? Oh no, your gums are bleeding!
Are Bleeding Gums a Sign of Gum Disease?
When plaque is not removed from the teeth every day it will thicken and harden into tarter, which will inflame the gums and potentially lead to bleeding, a sign of gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the teeth, gums and bone that surround the teeth.
Additional warning signs of gum disease include:
- Your gums appear very red and tender
- Your gums are swollen
- Your gums are pulling away from your teeth
- Your teeth feel loose
- Your bite feels as if it has changed
- You notice puss in between your teeth
- You suffer from chronic bad breath
- The fit of your dentures has changed
If you are experiencing bleeding gums or any of the above warning signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to receding gums and gum pockets, bone deterioration, and eventually, tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Fortunately, gum disease is completely preventable. Regular good hygiene habits such as is usually enough to stall or stop gum disease in its tracks.
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, making sure to also brush your tongue, with fluoride toothpaste is recommended.
- Flossing at least once a day can prevent gum disease from happening.
- Making good food choices is another way to prevent gum disease. Eat a healthy diet and avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar.
- Regular Visits with your Catonsville Dentists can make all the Difference: At Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, we are a team of caring health professionals who provide unparalleled dental excellence and treat our patients as members of our family. We offer high quality, comprehensive dental care. We set a very high standard for our care and we are very proud of the treatment that we have provided for you.
If you have any questions about Bleeding Gums and Gum Disease, or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visit CatonsvilleDentalCare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
Sources:
Dangers of Gum Disease WebMD