The sight of blood in the sink when you brush, or floss can be disturbing. This may be especially true if you notice blood frequently. Because this is one of the primary symptoms of gum disease, it is necessary to take bleeding gums seriously. When we can discern the underlying cause of bleeding (it may not be what you think), we are empowered to stop this problem in its tracks.
Why The Gums May Bleed
Gums may start to bleed at the early onset of inflammation. This doesn’t mean that infection has developed – at least not yet. So, if bleeding is a relatively new thing, there is a good reason to schedule a dental exam and cleaning right away. It could be that plaque, a sticky biofilm of debris and bacteria has accumulated around a few of the teeth in your mouth. A thorough dental cleaning can remove this debris, and also any tartar that has hardened to enamel. Once these irritants are removed, we can expect that bleeding will stop. Of course, there is a need for daily brushing and flossing as well as routine dental care moving forward.
Let’s say you have been really good about seeing your dentist, and you brush and floss daily, and you still see bleeding. Understandably, this could feel frustrating because you’re taking good care to avoid gingivitis and periodontitis. If you believe that bleeding only relates to inflammation and infection, you may sense that your efforts are failing. This may not be the case. Some studies suggest that bleeding gums may relate to certain deficiencies in nutrients.
If bleeding does not coincide with direct oral problems, it may be advantageous to have your vitamin C and K levels checked. Instead of formal lab work, you may add more leafy greens to your diet, as well as more citrus fruits. Together, the two can boost both vitamins that could be related to bleeding gums.
Finally, if you’re pregnant and you start to notice that your gums bleed frequently, you might chalk this problem up to the hormone changes your body is going through. Routine dental care is integral to a healthier pregnancy so should not be avoided during this momentous time.
Call the Beverly Hills office of Dr. David Frey for personal dental care.
Dentistry is more about prevention than about chasing problems throughout the mouth. At least that is the ideal. That is why we hear so much about seemingly minor conditions like gingivitis. You may have heard this term often, on television commercials or even from your dentist. Unless you have been told that your gums have become inflamed, gingivitis is a problem that is perceived as “someone else’s;” it doesn’t happen to you.
Being told that you have gingivitis may feel unnerving. When you brush and floss, you do not expect anything other than the all-clear when you see your dentist. How could this have happened? To understand, we have to look more closely at the subtleties of gum health.
What Is Gingivitis?
We hear the term “gingivitis,” and then we hear the term “gum disease.” Then, sometimes, we hear that the two are one and the same. Getting right down to it, gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva or the gums. It is a precursor to full-blown gum disease, yes, but only if intervention does not occur right away. This is where the situation may get complicated.
To prevent the progression of inflammation to infection, gingivitis must be treated as early as possible. The problem is, the warning signs are easy to miss. There is typically no noticeable swelling or redness with gingivitis. The most recognizable symptom of inflammation is a little bleeding when you brush or floss. In many cases, this dental concern is noticed only during the routine exam and cleaning.
Gingivitis is mild, yes. However, because inflammation can worsen, you do not want to wait to see your Beverly Hills dentist for proper treatment.
Why Gingivitis Happens To Good People
As much as we would like to say that brushing and flossing are sufficient for the prevention of gingivitis, that would be too broad of a statement. Brushing for too short time, or skipping the floss on a particularly long day, are enough to open the door to plaque formation. Because this sticky film is invisible, it may go untouched once it has accumulated. This is why it is important that dental exams are a consistent part of your oral care routine.
We are recognized for the personal touch we give to dentistry, and we look forward to helping you love your smile. Call 310-276-4537 to schedule your visit with Dr. Frey.
Many foods, including dairy products, meats, fish, some grains, sugars, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages can contribute to an overabundance of acid in the body. To combat the indigestion and discomfort these foods may cause, people take antacids. Trouble is, antacids can have damaging side effects on your smile.
Antacids May Weaken Your Teeth
For proper digestion, your stomach needs a certain level of acidity. If you take antacids too often or in high enough doses, your body can react by producing more acid than normal. Too much acid can lead to more heartburn (and may compel you to take even more antacids). In their attempt to block the acid production, antacids can inhibit the absorption of calcium and protein—both vital components for improving the strength of your teeth and jaw.
Antacids Can Lead To Tooth Decay And Gum Disease
- Antacids can cause dry mouth. With less saliva in your mouth to wash food debris from your teeth and neutralize the acid produced by plaque, you’re more likely to experience gum disease and tooth decay.
- Antacids are also often full of sugar and the chewable ones can get stuck in the crevices of your teeth. This type of prolonged exposure can contribute to cavities.
After You “Spell Relief” Rinse The Antacids Off Your Teeth
Tips For Avoiding The Negative Effects Of Antacids
- Use antacids in moderation. Try sugar-free ones.
- Rinse your mouth after taking antacids, and after eating acidic foods.
- Consume less acidic foods and drinks.
- To protect enamel, wait about 30 minutes to brush after eating antacids or acidic foods.
- Sugarless gum and candies can help with dry mouth.
- Baking soda can help clean your teeth AND neutralize stomach acid.
Questions?
We hope this information was helpful. If you have questions about antacids, please ask us. Thanks for being one of our valued patients!
NEARLY ALL OF US EXPERIENCE bleeding gums at some point in our lives. But don’t assume it’s no big deal. Gum disease can have serious consequences including pain, chronic bleeding and tooth loss. It has also been linked to a number of total body health conditions including Alzheimer’s.
Skipping The Floss Can Increase Dementia Risk
A recent study of over 5000 retirement community members found that NOT brushing daily could increase the risk of developing dementia up to 65%. Other research supports the correlation between tooth loss and Alzheimer’s. Some researchers theorize that because tooth loss and sensitivity may contribute to poor eating habits, that also affects brain health. And, Alzheimer’s patients are more likely to neglect their personal dental care. However, even with these other variables removed, there seems to be a strong link.
Miles Of Floss
How Oral Bacteria Hurts Your Brain
When you experience gum irritation and bleeding you essentially have an open wound and bacteria from your mouth can enter the rest of the body through your bloodstream. In one British study, traces of P. gingivalis were found in brain tissue of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s. It may be that the bacteria creates brain inflammation, causing dementia. It could also be that it triggers an immune response which attacks healthy brain cells.
Take Care Of Your Body By Taking Care Of Your Gums
Taking care of your gum health is an important part of overall health. Follow these steps for a healthy mouth and a healthy brain:
- Brush every day.
- Floss every day.
- Don’t postpone your regular cleanings.
Do you have someone you care about who could benefit from this information? Share the message and remind them to floss!
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The Journal of Dental Research published a study that shows that almost 50% of US adults have some form of gum disease. As a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist I see a lot of gum disease but it is amazing that about 48% of people over the age of 30 have infected gums. For people older than 65 the rate increases to over 70%.
The study confirmed some things that we already know. Men have a higher rate of gum disease than women – partly because women are better at visiting the dentist more often.
It is not surprising that smokers have a rate of infection of about 65%. Smoking is bad for every part of your body but your mouth really takes a hit when you light up.
You don’t have to be part of these statistics! Good home care and regular dental hygiene visits can help keep your gums healthy. Remember that gum disease has been linked to many diseases throughout the body including heart disease, poor diabetes control and the bacteria that cause gum disease have even been found in some tumors. The inflammation caused by infected gums affects the entire body. I don’t think I even have to mention how bad your breath can smell when you have active gum disease…
Keeping your smile healthy not only makes you look better, it gives you better smelling breath and better overall health. If you are a diabetic it is imperative that you maintain healthy gums in order to ensure better blood sugar control.
Don’t be part of the statistics. Contact the office of Beverly Hills Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Frey today at 310-276-4537 to schedule your next visit.