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Reasons for gum bleeding
Bleeding gums are not healthy gums. Bleeding gum tissue is caused by improper plaque removal. Plaque attacks the healthy tissues around your teeth, a build-up of plaque causes the gums to become inflamed and irritated during flossing and brushing.
Bleeding from your gums can indicate an underlying dental problem. It is one of the leading signs of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Identifying the cause of your bleeding gum tissue can help to determine the proper treatment.
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Why smokers are at risk
People who smoke have double the risk of developing gum diseases compared to non-smokers. Smoking lowers your body’s immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off harmful bacteria. These bad bacteria can lead to gum diseases. Gum disease treatments are less effective for regular tobacco uses.
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Smoking and gingivitis
Heavy smokers often have a thick film around their gingival tissues. Gingivitis symptoms in smokers may appear different; there may be less inflammation change from their normal gum tissue. Less gum bleeding, redness and other fluids in the gums may also happen. This makes it hard for smokers to know they have gingivitis.
Smoker’s bodies suppress the normal immune response to plaque and bacteria build-up, so they don’t notice the presence of periodontal diseases.
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) occurs mostly in smokers. ANUG symptoms include fever, discomfort and bleeding gum tissue, bad breath (halitosis), and excessive salivation. ANUG causes ulcerations on gum tissues. It can affect chewing and talking.
2. Smoking and periodontitis
There is an association between smoking and severe periodontitis. Smoking can cause deeper periodontal pockets which can lead to more bone and root tissue loss. The rate of progression of periodontitis happens at a more rapid pace among smokers.
Tobacco alters the immune system’s capacity to maintain the proper ecological balance. Smoking can diminish oral health which further limits the ability of the tissues to have a proper immune response to gum diseases.
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Warning signs of gum disease
Some people may not notice symptoms until an advanced stage of gum disease. There are many warning signs of gum diseases. Your gums may be red, swollen, and tender and you may feel discomfort in other areas of your mouth. Flossing, brushing, and eating hard food can cause bleeding during gum disease.
Gum tissue can recede or pull away from teeth causing them to look longer. This can cause the teeth to become loose and fall out. Your teeth can also change the way they fit together when you bite down.
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How to prevent gum disease
Preventative care which includes an effective at-home good oral hygiene routine and regular cleanings and dental exams can prevent or reverse gingivitis.
Brush your teeth and use fluoride toothpaste, at least twice daily. Always brush for at least two minutes and don’t forget to clean along your gumline. Floss at least once per day to remove the plaque and food debris from between your teeth. Using a mouthwash daily can also help to wash away bad bacteria that can get into your gum tissue.
Visiting your dentist twice a year is another critical way to prevent gum diseases. Your dentist can identify any weak areas or signs of potential gum disease. During your bi-yearly visits to your dentist in Southbank, you will get your teeth professionally cleaned which prevent plaque build-up.
Since smokers are at a higher risk of getting gum disease, your dentist may recommend you stop smoking.
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How to treat bleeding gums
Your dentist or hygienist will perform a deep cleaning called a debridement using special tools to remove plaque and tartar build-up from your gum line. This cleaning and scaling procedure may require several sessions to clean your gums fully.
Your hygienist will demonstrate how to clean all the surfaces on your teeth to prevent any future issues. Some cases may require prescription mouthwash or antibiotics.
If you have Periodontitis, you may require flap surgery to eliminate or reduce periodontal pockets. This enables your dentist to remove diseased tissue and access to the roots for a thorough cleaning.
Author’s Bio –
A conveniently located Elephant & Castle Dental Clinic in Southbank offers a full range of preventive, restorative, cosmetic and aesthetic treatments for patients of all ages in and around SE1. Call us or visit our website for a free consultation.
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