We do everything in our power to protect our gums and teeth and keep them healthy. Despite all your efforts, you notice your apple tainted with your bleeding gums after you’ve bitten into it. But bleeding gums are normal, right? Wrong! According to the National Library of Medicine, bleeding gums are the earliest sign of gum disease, which means that you are not to neglect this treacherous red flag. Bleeding can occur as a result of inflammation of the gums triggered by excessive plaque build-up and the toxic by-products released by the bacteria in the plaque biofilm. If you notice even a trickle of blood while regular brushing or flossing, it is crucial to visit a dentist immediately. 4Smile introduces some of the finest dental experts who can help you switch to a path of impeccable oral hygiene and most importantly- gums that do not bleed!
Bleeding gums are not a permanent disability that you have to live with. With the right areas of control, you can prevent your gums from bleeding even before it starts! Here are 6 of the most important things you can do to successfully avert bleeding gums!
Good oral hygiene goes a long way
Maintaining a good oral hygiene at home is a quintessential step in preventing bleeding gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) urges all individuals to brush their teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride-enriched toothpaste using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush your teeth gently, using short strokes that can dislodge plaque and debris from your teeth. While brushing teeth is common knowledge, it is also important for you to floss your teeth at least once a day using a thread or water flosser to loosen the gunk accumulated in between your adjacent teeth and beneath the gum margin. Good oral hygiene is a prophylactic measure to keep gum disease at bay, including bleeding gums!
Pay attention to what’s on your plate
Next time you go on a mission to prevent gum disease, take a look at what’s on your plate. Various foods can have a positive or negative impact on your gum health. Incorporate these foods into your diet to lower your chances of developing gum disease:
- High-fiber fruits and vegetables that help clean out the mouth
- Black and green tea that help reduce the bacteria
- Vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, sweet potatoes, and carrots
- Dairy products such as milk and cheese to help increase saliva production
- Sugar-free gum to increase the saliva production
- Water and unsweetened beverages to flush out stray debris and bacteria
Pick out harmful foods and beverages from your diet like carbonated drinks, alcohol, sticky foods, starchy foods, and foods with high sugar content.
Regular dental visits are a must!
Regular dental visits constitute of professional cleaning and widescale screening of your mouth. Your dentist is able to detect gum disease symptoms, including bleeding gums earlier if you visit them on a regular basis. Professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar and calculus from your teeth. It also helps rid your teeth of subgingival (under the gums) tartar and eliminates plaque that you may have missed while brushing and flossing.
The ADA recommends you see the dentist at least twice a year but making it a more regular affair can help you escape the clutches of gum disease! Contact 4Smile to connect with some of the leading dental professionals and nip your gum disease at the bud!
Breathe in, breathe out!
If you are always chasing deadlines and on the go constantly, the amount of stress in your life can cause a variety of psychological and physiological impacts on your body, a common risk of which is bleeding gums. How- you may ask? Increased stress can cause inflammation in your body and a steep decline in your immune system’s functionality. This leads to the onset of bleeding gums and your body inherently being unable to fight off the infection, resulting in progressive gum disease or periodontitis.
A 2016 study published in the Journal of Periodontology found that women with stress-related depression had higher levels of inflammation in the gums and an alarming rise in levels of plaque build-up. When you are dealing with unbearable stress, you are also more likely to skip on self-care routines like combing your hair, brushing your teeth, and eating a well-balanced diet. If you are keen on getting your gums to stop bleeding, breathe! A relaxed body is a key to a healthy mouth.
Sharing is not caring!
A quote from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) states “Research has shown that periodontal disease is caused by the inflammatory reaction to bacteria under the gums, so periodontal disease technically may not be contagious. However, the bacteria that cause the inflammatory reaction can be spread through saliva.” This means that if someone in your family has gum disease, you are most likely to contract gum disease by means of common utensils or crockery. Avoid sharing anything that comes in contact with another person’s mouth.
If you notice any of your family members manifesting signs and symptoms of gum disease, including bleeding gums, contact the dentist immediately! Sharing can be dangerous!
No smoking for healthier gums
You may find yourself in a rut if you are a frequent smoker. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking makes a person more susceptible to gum disease as it weakens his/her immune system. A weakened immune system means that your body is unable to fight off infections that can then lead to a dental concern of a much larger magnitude. Here is all the more reason to quit smoking!
Visit your dentist to join a smoking cessation program and quit smoking immediately to help lower your risk of developing or worsening gum disease. The use of other tobacco products can also do the same amount of damage, so make sure you say no to all forms of this addiction.
Gum disease is a silent attacker, you may not even realize you have it until its too late! These easy tips and tricks can help you protract bleeding gums and promote good gum health. Get in touch with our team at 4Smile to receive quality treatments for bleeding gums quickly.
