Why You Should Care About Bleeding Gums

Bleeding Gums

Has your dental professional ever told you that you have bleeding gums? Or maybe you have noticed swelling or bleeding of your gums at home. If so, it is vital that you take immediate action to improve your oral health. Bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth is not normal and is a sign of inflammation. It also means that there is a portal where the bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, bacteria may travel throughout your body.

Bacteria in your bloodstream, what does it mean?

Usually blood is sterile, meaning it does not contain any bacteria. When bacteria are present, it triggers an immune response. The immune system responds to bacteria, but in chronic conditions, it causes more harm than good. Studies confirm that having chronic oral inflammation is a serious risk to your overall health. Links to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, premature birth and low-birth-weight babies as well as complications with diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis have been found.

How can I prevent this?

There will always be bacteria present in your mouth. However, when you have excellent oral hygiene, harmful bacteria is kept under control. When bacteria isn’t removed and is allowed to accumulate, problems arise. Staying on top of eliminating and disrupting the bacteria is a daily battle. For some people, regular brushing and flossing are enough to maintain a healthy mouth. For others, additional oral hygiene tools may be necessary. Certain people are more prone to gum disease because of their genetics or other health conditions like diabetes or auto-immune disorders. In these cases, more aggressive treatment may be necessary to keep things under control. Stress levels and diet also play a part in your oral and overall health and need to be considered.

If you are concerned about oral inflammation and your overall health, call us today. We can help you reach your health goals with regular dental cleanings and developing an oral hygiene routine that will meet your individual needs.