My Gums Are Bleeding - What Does That Mean?

Bleeding gums are a relatively common complaint and one that we often see here at Hartley.What Causes Bleeding Gums?Gum disease is the main cause of bleeding gums, the severity of which will vary depending on the person. Gum disease is inflammation of the gums, which if not treated early and effectively, leads to receding gums and a weakening of the bone which supports your teeth within them.There are 3 stages relating to gum disease - gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, all of which would require prompt treatment to stop serious and lasting damage to your oral health.People who smoke, have poor diet and drink a lot of alcohol are much more likely to develop serious gum disease and are also at a much higher risk of getting oral cancer.What Do Bleeding Gums Mean?We realise the jargon can be very confusing so let’s keep it simple - how do you spot if you have gum disease?Gum disease can be painless, which is why it is currently such a serious issue in the UK. The first thing to say is, if your gums are bleeding on a regular basis or every time that you brush, even if it is only a small amount, you should book in to see your dentist as soon as possible.There are other signs and symptoms in addition to bleeding gums, which should be of a concern to you, these include:Swollen, red or tender gums,Gums appear to be receding,Persistent bad breath or a nasty taste in your mouth,Loose or wobbly teeth,Any visible pus on or around the teeth and gums.Once again if you are displaying any or many of these symptoms, please book in with your dentist as soon as possible. At Hartley we have a dedicated Hygiene Team, who specialise in diagnosing, treating and educating about gum disease, at whichever stage.Can Bleeding Gums Be Treated?We often hear new patient say they have been embarrassed to seek help or advice for their poorly gums, which is never nice for our team to hear as we know we can always help! Every person who comes to Hartley is treated with respect, dignity and without any judgements being made about your level of oral health - our team are simply here to help.The most important part of your game plan for preventing gum disease is to have really effective home oral health routines, using the correct products and techniques. To get this guidance, it is really important to visit your dentist and hygiene team on a regular basis.As we mentioned earlier we have a highly experienced, professional and competent hygiene team who can advise you from the word go about what products and routines will be most effective for you.This may include the use of interdental brushes (little bottle brushes for cleaning between your teeth), floss, electric toothbrushes and mouthwashes. This would be in conjunction with your regular visits to our hygienists for fluoride cleaning of your entire set of teeth, helping keep a great level of oral health and the smile that you can be proud of.If this sounds like something that is of interest, give one of our helpful front of house team a call on 01752 661361 and we will help you join the Hartley family - let’s work together to improve families smiles for generations to come!