My gums bleed. Why is this?

Bleeding gums are caused by the body’s response to untreated inflammation of the tissue around the teeth. This is due to bacteria in the mouth being able to form plaque, tartar and calculus, which infect the tissue. The early stages of this infection process are called gingivitis. You may only notice symptoms like bleeding when brushing and flossing, some bad breath, and maybe an awareness that something is wrong but very little discomfort.

If left untreated this infection process will invade the underlying bone and begin to destroy this support for the teeth. Once the process involves the bone the treatment is more complex and costly. It could involve seeing a periodontist and having surgery to try to control the infection process. Gingivitis is curable. Periodontitis is not curable but it can be controlled if found and treated soon enough. Periodontitis, also called pyorrhea, caused over 80% of the population over 40 to wear dentures in the first half of the last century.  We now understand the cause of this disease and know how to control it if found early enough.  Learn more about periodontal disease.

Dr. YourName is proud of his hygiene team.  He understands both how to diagnose this problem early and how to treat it while it is curable. Sschedule your appointment for a comprehensive evaluation.

Millions of people struggle with halitosis, or bad breath, despite daily teeth brushing. Although some of it can occur from systemic concerns involving the esophagus and stomach, most is due to conditions in the mouth. Gingivitis and untreated bone infections around the teeth create pockets where food collects and breaks down. The papillae on the surface of the tongue also collect this undigested food. You can minimize the problem with twice daily brushing with a soft bristle brush, daily flossing and tongue cleaning, regular professional care and careful cleaning of any dentures or removable dental appliances. However, if your hygiene is meticulous and the problem persists, we can offer several solutions.

First, we can provide a plastic tool called a tongue scraper that cleans away bacterial build-up on your tongue and significantly alleviates odor. Or we can recommend a specially prepared rinse or toothpaste designed to actually break the odor-causing sulfur bonds that cause bad breath. If the cause is from gingivitis or periodontal disease, you will need our assistance in correcting the problem. Finally, if we suspect a systemic or internal problem such as an infection or underlying condition, we may recommend a visit with your family physician or specialist to identify the cause.