Why You Shouldn't Ignore Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums can be more than just a sign of bad oral hygiene or wrong brushing technique. While it's not always serious, it can sometimes reveal the presence of a more serious condition. At the first sign of bleeding gums, you should visit your dentist to get a proper diagnosis.

Here is why you should not neglect bleeding gums:

• Major indication of gum disease: If you find that your gums bleed during brushing, do not ignore it. You may have gum disease. This disease, in its beginning stages, takes the form of gingivitis with swollen, irritating, and bleeding gums as the symptoms. If neglected, it will move on to the next stage: periodontitis. Your teeth may get infected and you may experience gum recession. The symptoms mentioned earlier will also worsen. Eventually, it may be necessary to remove your teeth to contain the problems. All of this can be avoided, though, if you just visit your dentist at the right time.
• Untreated gum disease can pose other health risks: Apart from tooth loss, gum disease also increases the risk of heart disease. Further, if you already suffer from problems like diabetes, it is more difficult to treat gum disease.
• Possible indication of other underlying health problems: Very rarely, bleeding gums can be caused by leukemia. If you suffer from other symptoms like sudden and unexplained loss of weight, extreme fatigue, formation of ulcers in your mouth, and if your teeth start becoming very loose very quickly, then these, combined with bleeding gums, are a cause for concern. Sometimes, genetic disorders like haemophilia can also cause your gums to bleed. Dengue also has bleeding gums as one of its symptoms. If you experience bleeding after a visit to the dentist, one possible cause may be a disorder called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, which is improper clotting due to low levels of blood platelets.

Want to Learn More About Gum Disease and Gum Problems? Contact Montefiore Dental.

For more information about dental implants, please contact Drs. Kraut, Rogoff, Newsome and Kakanantadilok. Our office is located in the Bronx, and can be reached at 888-700-6623. We look forward to meeting you.