Bleeding Gums And Gingivitis

If you notice you have bleeding gums when brushing your teeth, chances are you may have gingivitis. Gingivitis, or gum disease, is a dental problem. It can only get worse if you do not treat it as soon as possible.

What Causes Gingivitis?
There are different possible causes of bleeding gums – medical and dental. However, the actual cause of gingivitis is a build-up of bacteria. Food particles, through improper or inadequate oral hygiene practices, remain in the mouth. These provide food for the ever-hungry bacteria. The bacteria collect in the mouth.

If not checked, bacteria will spread throughout and infect the entire mouth, including the teeth and gums. At first, the bacteria develop into the sticky and whitish-colored material called plaque. After calcification occurs, plaque becomes tartar.

What Are The Symptoms Of Gingivitis?
The initial symptoms of gingivitis are often subtle. You may not even notice them. As the disease progresses, however, the signs of a dental problem become more obvious. Common symptoms include any and/or all of the following:

• Bleeding of the gums when brushing
• Inflammation of the gums
• Redness of the gums
• Touching of the gums indicates a tenderness
• Bad breath or halitosis
• If you do not undergo some type of treatment, gingivitis will progress. The indications become clearer. These comprise:
• Receding gums
• The fit of your teeth differs when you clamp them together or bite down on something
• Visible gaps or pockets between your teeth and gums

A dentist is able to treat gingivitis. More significantly, the follow-up and ongoing treatment will help prevent the problem reoccurring.

The Remedy
Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. If you want to prevent it coming back, you need to address the cause – bacteria. Fortunately, the remedy is a simple one. If you adopt a daily, consistent regime of oral hygiene, you can stop and prevent bleeding gums and gingivitis. The treatment is easy to follow.

1. Brush your teeth a minimum of 3 times daily. Use a soft bristled toothbrush and commercial or natural toothpaste. Mint of oil products are a natural choice combining 2 separate but related aspects of your oral hygiene regimen: toothpaste and mouthwash
2. Rinse your mouth thoroughly daily. Do not use an alcohol-based mouthwash. This tends to increase bacterial growth with prolonged use
3. Floss every day – usually after you eat
4. Visit your dentist or dental hygienist at least once a year for a check-up and a cleaning

This simple approach is truly better than any remedy or treatment.

Conclusion
Bleeding gums are a symptom of gingivitis, not a cause. It you wish to avoid the need for treatment, there is a simple remedy. Start with brushing your teeth daily. Maintain this and other complementary oral hygiene practice on a daily basis. In doing so, you will avoid both gum disease and gingivitis.