Gum tissue may bleed for a few reasons. It could be that you are using a hard bristle toothbrush; you are applying too much pressure when you brush; or your oral health may be in jeopardy because you are experiencing the onset of gum disease. You can invest in a soft bristle brush and ease up on the pressure, but if gum disease is underway you need to visit your dentist for treatment.
There are many different types of toothbrushes on the market today – your dentist may recommend you invest in an electronic toothbrush for multiple reasons.
The rapid movement of an electronic toothbrush provides everything you need to keep teeth clean; you merely guide it to reach the front, back, and top of all teeth. Use fluoridated toothpaste and a circular motion focusing on a few teeth at a time making sure to include gum tissue.
With an electronic toothbrush a timer will let you know when you’ve brushed for two minutes … this is the time you should invest in brushing at least twice each day.
If some damage has already occurred such as receding gum tissue, your dentist can treat this condition. Plaque buildup will be removed from the bony part of the tooth that has been exposed due to gum recession; dental bonding can be applied to remove the “shelf” that has been created that allows bacteria to grow beneath gums.
Healthy gum tissue is pink and firm – if your gums are swollen or red, you may be suffering from gingivitis and your dentist should be seen. Chronic bad breath may also be another indicator that teeth and gum tissue require treatment.
If your gums bleed or teeth have the appearance that they are separating from gum tissue, you may already be in a more advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. You are in need of immediate treatment … failure to take care of this could result in tooth loss.
Your dentist may employ deep cleaning (root planing and scaling) as the first option for treatment. A special oral rinse as well as antibiotics may be prescribed. More frequent cleaning may be recommended to help prevent reoccurrence.
Your oral health is critical to maintaining good overall health so make sure you brush and floss daily, and see our dentist as recommended for cleaning and exam. Schedule one today!
