According to research, more than half of adults worldwide have bleeding gums from oral health issues. Some of these issues include Gingivitis and periodontal disease as we will discuss below. It is best to schedule regular checkups with your Grande Prairie Dental Clinic before you begin showing signs of dental health issues. Your dentist is your best friend when it comes to treatment plans for bleeding gums, or any other oral health concern.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an oral disease whose diagnostic sign is the inflammation of the gums. Usually, bacterial plaque collects around the surface of the teeth which in turn causes swelling and irritation of the gums. There is usually the presence of blood while you are brushing.
There is usually no presence of loose teeth at this point. However, if left untreated, Gingivitis inevitably progresses into Periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease, also known as Periodontitis, is an oral disease that is caused by untreated, or unsuccessfully treated Gingivitis. Its major culprit is the bacterial plaque which affects the surfaces around the teeth such as the ligament, gums, and the cementum that covers the roots. At this stage, pockets are formed around the teeth as gums pull away from the teeth. This is called gum recession. Plaque collects inside these pockets causing infection and loosening of the teeth, and unlike in Gingivitis, the damages may be irreversible. As the teeth become loose, the jawbone surrounding the teeth begins to deteriorate.
Poor oral health is not the only thing that contributes to these dental issues. Some of the contributing factors may include;
Smoking and using tobacco: Tobacco use reduces saliva production. With less saliva, more tartar tends to collect around your teeth, and if brushing your teeth is not a priority, then it builds up and becomes plaque.
Crowded teeth or the use of braces: If you have crowded teeth or foreign objects such as braces in your mouth, it may be difficult to reach every part of your teeth when brushing and flossing. When spots are missed during brushing and flossing, plaque will eventually build up and cause problems.
Medicine can cause oral issues: Many medications can contribute to issues with oral health by causing chronic dry mouth. Some of the most common culprits are antihistamines, decongestants, high blood pressure medication, pain meds, antacids and antidepressants.
If you are showing symptoms of Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease, it is essential that you visit your dentist for a consultation and treatment plan.
Gingival Graft
A gingival graft refers to a range of dental surgeries for gum grafting. Gum grafting is done to cover the exposed root surfaces of the teeth to correct the gum recession. It is a relatively simple procedure that involves the removal of healthy gum tissues from the roof of the mouth and using them to build up where there is gum recession.
There are three kinds of gingival grafting;
- Connective tissue grafting
- Free gingival grafting
- Pedicle(lateral) graft
The kind of gingival grafting usually depends on the extent of your gum damage and is usually recommended by your dentist before surgery. Whenever you experience any type of health problem, it is best to visit your dental clinic and get early treatment to avoid the situation becoming much worse.