FROM DENTAL ON CAMBRIDGE
Bleeding gums are most often indicative of a problem known as gingivitis, which is the inflammation of the gums. Although mild gingivitis is not overly problematic in many patients, this will progress to a condition known as periodontitis, which is gum and jaw disease and infection.
Periodontitis is a common oral health condition affecting 10 to 15% of the population. The biggest problem with periodontitis is that in many patients it develops and progresses without any or with minimal symptoms, often only bleeding gums and unusual breath odor. Unfortunately, untreated periodontitis will eventually lead to catastrophic loss of the bone supporting the tooth and eventual tooth loss. Periodontitis can easily be diagnosed by dentists looking for the condition via measuring gum pocket depths around teeth, observing bleeding and bone loss changes on x-ray.
So the next time you are experiencing bleeding gums, don’t just assume it’s because you haven’t flossed in a while, or it’s only gingivitis. Bring it up at your next routine examination and clean, or make an appointment especially to ensure that you’re not developing periodontitis and looking at a future with potential tooth and bone loss.
If you have any concerns about your bleeding gums and want an expert opinion on how you can prevent this condition progressing, the team at Dental on Cambridge would be more than happy to assist you – after all preventative dentistry is our passion! Call us now on 3348 6661 to book your appointment or you can book online via our website www.dentaloncambridge.com
