Do you Suffer From Painful, Bleeding Gums?

Painful or bleeding gums can have many causes but usually indicate that you already have or are at high risk for developing gum disease. In most cases, plaque at the gum line is the cause of irritation of the gums. From there, more serious problems can develop over time and cause a great deal of pain.

When plaque is not removed from your teeth, it hardens into tartar. Tartar is difficult to impossible to remove at home. Plaque and tartar at the gum line cause inflammation called gingivitis, and from there can progress to periodontitis, a serious gum and jawbone disease.

Good dental hygiene is critical to avoiding bleeding and sore gums, but sometimes it is not enough. Brushing too hard and improper flossing methods can actually create or worsen the problem. Ill-fitting dentures can rub and irritate your gums. Other health issues can also cause your gums to bleed including:

· Hormonal changes
· Leukemia
· Vitamin K deficiency
· Scurvy
· Blood disorders

If your gums ache or bleed you should talk to your dentist right away because gum disease is progressive, and once it gets started, no amount of brushing and flossing will turn it around. In the initial stages, gingivitis, the plaque and tartar can be removed at your dentist’s office during a routine cleaning.

What Happens with Gum Disease?

As gum disease progresses, your gums, irritated by the plaque and tartar, begin to pull away from your teeth creating pockets. Bacteria grow in these pockets, preventing your gums from healing, and perpetuating the problem. There is no way for you to clean these pockets in your gums at home. Your dentist, however, can safely remove the bacteria and allow your gums to heal again. Tooth planning is a procedure used to remove the bacteria from between your teeth and gums. If left untreated, gum disease will begin destroying tissue and even your jawbone.

Once the health of your gums has been restored, gum recontouring can be used to restore the beauty of your gums. An uneven gum line can be corrected, and any excess gum tissue can be removed. If you have lost gum tissue due to gum disease, aging, or injury, the missing tissue can be replaced.

Bleeding, painful gums can signify a more serious underlying health problem, and should not be ignored. Your dentist can help you determine if the problem is dental in nature, or if you should seek further medical attention.