Celebrating National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month
March 29, 2017
March has been declared National Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month, and Dr. Gregg Codelli and the rest of us here at his office would like to take a moment to educate you on bleeding gums. Whether your gums have started bleeding or you’re simply interested in learning more about them, our goal is to give you a few tips on the causes of bleeding gums and how they can affect your health.
Potential Reasons Your Gums Are Bleeding
The main reason for bleeding gums is improper plaque removal. Plaque contains germs that seek out healthy teeth tissue and attack it, causing swelling and irritation. This specific condition is also known as gingivitis, which is the initial stage of gum disease. Besides gums that bleed, other indications that you might have gingivitis include:
- Loose teeth
- Chronic bad breath
- Shifts in the way your teeth fit when you bite down
The Progression of Gingivitis
If you fail to see a qualified periodontist in Sandy Springs, GA to treat your gums, there’s a good chance your gingivitis will progress and worsen. Your gums can actually start to separate and recede, which leads to the formation of pockets between your teeth, pockets that make for the perfect home for germs. When plaque is allowed to harden into tartar, gingivitis becomes periodontitis. This advanced condition has been known to lead to tooth loss.
Additional Effects to Your Health
Besides those mentioned above, there are other ways in which bleeding gums and gingivitis can impact your overall health. For instance, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and stroke are just a few health problems that have been linked to gingivitis.
Get the Attention Your Gums Need
Don’t take any chances when it comes to your oral health. Schedule a consultation with us to determine whether you have bleeding gums and what you can do to treat them. We’re here to provide you with answers to your questions and solid solutions to any oral health problems you might have.