Bleeding Gums Treatment

When bleeding gums diseases are left untreated, it leads to shaky teeth and eventually, tooth loss.

Bleeding Gums: Why do teeth sometimes become shaky?

When bleeding gums diseases are left untreated, it leads to shaky teeth and eventually, tooth loss.

Plaque causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually no pain at this stage. It is caused by inadequate oral hygiene and is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins cause a chronic inflammatory response in which the body turns on itself, thus, destroying the tissues and bones that support the teeth.

Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums). As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth become shaky and have to be removed.

What is periodontitis / bleeding gums disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones around the teeth.

It can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (sticky substance that constantly forms on your teeth) causes your gums to be inflamed.

How can we choose the correct type of toothbrush?

Use a toothbrush that allows easy access to all areas of the mouth especially the back of your teeth. Choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles with rounded ends to prevent hurting the gums. It should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp.

If you are unable to clean your teeth well, you can consider using an electric toothbrush to clean more effectively.

How can we prevent gum disease?

Proper daily toothbrushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day is important to prevent gum diseases.

Regular dental visits for a professional cleaning once every 6 months is also necessary to remove tartar and to better clean those areas that you may have missed. This regular visit can help prevent gum & oral disease.

What are the consequences of gum disease?

Untreated gum diseases lead to tooth loss and halitosis (bad breath). It can also increase your risk for heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.

Pregnant women with gum disease have a higher risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Why do my gums bleed?

Gum bleeding is the first sign of gum diseases. Other clinical signs of gum disease include:

• • • • Red and swollen gums
      • Bleeding during brushing, flossing, eating hard food
      • Shaky teeth
      • Persistent bad breath

Untreated gum diseases lead to tooth loss and halitosis (bad breath). It can also increase your risk for caring for our teeth how to brush – new subpage under bleeding gums?

How can we choose the correct type of toothbrush?

Use a toothbrush that allows easy access to all areas of the mouth especially the back of your teeth. Choose a toothbrush with soft nylon bristles with rounded ends to prevent hurting the gums. It should have a long, wide handle for a firm grasp.

If you are unable to clean your teeth well, you can consider using an electric toothbrush to clean more effectively.

What is the difference between an electric tooth brush VS a manual tooth brush & how do we use it?

 
Power toothbrushes require lesser brushing force to provide effective dental plaque removal than manual toothbrushes. They are very gentle and less likely to cause damage to the enamel and gums.

Many people are using improper brushing technique and they are not brushing long enough. Minimal skill level is needed and some electric brushes come with a timer setting while a manual toothbrush requires manual dexterity and diligence.

The brushing technique for electric toothbrushes is different from a manual one. Electric toothbrushes perform most of the necessary movements on their own, so you do not have to apply as much pressure as you would with a manual toothbrush. The grip may vary from model to model due to different handle shapes.

• • • • Put the head of the electric toothbrush on the outer surface of each tooth at a 30 to 40-degree angle for about 2 seconds.
      • Slowly move the brush from tooth to tooth.
      • Repeat the same for the inner surfaces of all teeth.
      • Don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces of all teeth.
      • You should spend at least 2-3 minutes in your tooth brushing to ensure effective teeth cleaning. Rinse and clean your brush head after each use.
      • Replace your brush head every 3 months or sooner if the head is worn out. A worn out head may reduce your brush’s effectiveness.

What is the correct method of tooth brushing?

• • • • Squeeze a pea-size amount of toothpaste onto a soft-bristled toothbrush.
      • Use short stokes, in a scrubbing motion, with your toothbrush angled at 45-degrees towards the gums to clean the outer tooth surfaces, inner tooth surfaces and chewing surfaces of the teeth. It is very important to brush along the gum line as gum disease starts here.
      • Brush gently to avoid damaging the gums.
      • Pay attention to the molar teeth at the back.
      • Always try to use the mirror as a guide when you are doing your tooth brushing.
      • Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.
      • Brush your teeth at least two to three times a day, after each meal if possible.
      • Take your time and be gentle in your tooth brushing.
      • Brushing should take about 2 to 3 minutes.

What are the consequences of incorrect tooth brushing?

Incorrect tooth brushing can cause abrasion on the tooth surfaces and damage to the gums. Abrasion is a wearing out of the outer layer of the tooth, called enamel. It can also affect the layer underneath the enamel, called dentin or the root’s layer, called cementum.

Abrasion can be caused by several reasons:

• • • • • The use of a hard toothbrush.
        • Excessive pressure applied while brushing.
        • Use of abrasive toothpaste.

When teeth are worn out, it could lead to different degrees of tooth sensitivity, varying from low to severe.

Incorrect tooth brushing could lead to inflamed, easily bleeding or even swollen gums and this could result in gingival recession.

How can I manage the gaps between the teeth (interdental)?

First, check with the dentist whether there are any caries / decay in between the teeth. These cavities are not easily seen as the gaps are quite tight. Your dentist may need to take an X-ray to check thoroughly.

If the gaps in between the teeth are caused by gum recession and not by caries, you need to keep the interdental areas clean to prevent any further deterioration or recession of the gums.

You will need to attend at the dental clinic for regular checkups & cleanings. At home, you will also need to keep the areas clean with floss / interdental brush.