There is a belief that it is normal for the gums to bleed a little when brushing the teeth. It is true that a very strong brushing can cause the gums to bleed even if they are healthy. Nevertheless, The main cause of swollen and bleeding gums is periodontal disease.
THE CONSEQUENCES OF GINGIVITIS AND PERIODONTITIS
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two most common gum diseases.. Its most obvious consequence is the loss of teeth, but Periodontal disease also affects our health in other ways.
When oral hygiene is not correct, bacteria accumulate between the teeth and the gums. Over time, these bacteria weaken and inflame the tissues surrounding the tooth. This causes the gums to bleed easily.
Depending on the severity of the infection, we speak of two types of periodontal disease:
- Gingivitis. It is the most common and mildest infection. It manifests itself with inflammation and redness of the gums and can also present bleeding.
- Periodontitis. If the gingivitis is not solved, this can evolve affecting the tissues that hold the tooth. It usually presents with pain when chewing, persistent bad breath and teeth that move.
When the infection is very advanced causes the retraction of the gum and even the loss of dental pieces.
Although proper oral hygiene is essential to prevent these problems, periodontal disease can also have other causes:
- Diseases such as diabetes and leukemia
- Intake of certain medications
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause
- genetic predisposition
- tobacco use
- Tighter fillings
WHY IS PERIODONTICS IMPORTANT?
Many people with periodontal disease they are not aware of it because they have no symptoms. Generally, they go to the dentist when they start to feel discomfort. In these cases, the infection may be very advanced, with severe bone loss.
For this reason, it is advisable to go to the dental clinic when the first signs of danger appear:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bleeding when brushing teeth
- persistent bad breath
- Bite changes
- Misalignment of removable dental prostheses
It is estimated that eight out of ten people over the age of 35 have a gum problem. The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to maintain proper oral hygiene. In addition, it is advisable to periodic reviews in order to make an early diagnosis.
