Are Bleeding Gums Serious?

If, when brushing, you find your gums are bleeding. Stop brushing. Do not ignore the problem. Unless it is the result of an over rough brushing with a too hard bristle, it will not go away. Bleeding gums is not the actual cause of anything. It is worse than that is. Bleeding gums can well be the start of a serious problem

Why Are Bleeding Gums A Serious Problem?
When your gums bleed, they are trying to tell you something. What they are saying is simple. You have a problem in your mouth. Bleeding gums is just the start. It indicates the beginning of a slow process. This is marked by the increased build-up of bacteria in your mouth.

If bacteria increase in your mouth, they cause plaque to appear on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, whitish film of bacteria that will increase on your teeth and encroach into the gum lines. If the bacteria and plaque continue to grow, you will soon find your teeth covered with a hard substance. This is tartar. If this occurs, you are solidly on the path to having serious gum disease.
There are two types or stages of gum disease. These are gingivitis and periodontitis.

• Gingivitis – This is the first stage of gum disease. Characteristics or symptoms include irritated gums. Bacterial growth turns into tartar. This irritates your gums. It causes them to bleed. You may also have bad breath
• Periodontitis – This is the later stage of gum disease. Plaque becomes tartar. Your gum line recedes. You have a permanent case of bad breath. Your teeth loosen and may even fall out.

Both gingivitis and periodontitis are preventable. You do not have to seek far for a remedy. Rather than wait to treat the result, remove the symptoms. You can do so easily, if you apply good oral hygiene daily

What Is Good Oral Hygiene?
Good oral hygiene acts to prevent bleeding gums. It is also both a treatment and a remedy for gum disease. If you treat bleeding gums seriously and employ proper oral hygiene, you can even stop gum disease in its tracks. The best thing of all is how easy it is to do. You simply follow these basic steps:

1. Brush your teeth every day. Do so after meals and before bedtime. When brushing, use a soft-bristle brush and high quality toothpaste. You can choose a commercial product or opt for something natural.
2. Floss every day. Be sure to do so before bed. This will remove stray food particles between teeth
3. Gargle and/or rinse daily. Use a non-alcohol-based mouthwash. You can also use water or hydrogen peroxide. Talk to your dentist about your choices. Just remember alcohol will encourage what causes gum disease – bacterial growth
4. Be sure to get your teeth cleaned twice a year.
5. Make an annual visit to your dentist for a preventive check-up

Conclusion
Bleeding gums are no laughing matter. They are serious. They indicate the need to seek treatment for the problem. See your dentist for a thorough cleaning. Follow it up with a daily oral hygiene program. In doing so, you will remedy the problem and avoid any future treatment for gingivitis and the more serious periodontitis.