Have you ever experienced it? You have just finished brushing your teeth and you discover traces of blood on your toothbrush. Is it just because you brushed too hard or is there more to your teeth? We submit the matter to an expert.
Why do your gums bleed?
If your gums start to bleed while brushing, it’s usually bad news. It often indicates gum disease (gingivitis), which in turn is caused by a build-up of plaque in your teeth. Sensitive or swollen gums or bad breath can be an indication. But bleeding gums are the most visible symptom, as a sign that the subcutaneous tissue has not been well for a long time. “It can, of course, occur incidentally by brushing too vigorously. Or a brush or toothpick that goes wrong somewhere. But it is usually a symptom of something, not a good sign,” says Hennie Zoontjes, spokesperson for NVM dental hygienists. MAX Today.
Bleeding gums can be associated with several conditions, such as leukemia. In addition, you may be more susceptible to gum disease if you don’t get enough vitamins B, C or D. This also applies if your body is going through hormonal changes, for example due to pregnancy or menopause.
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Stage 1: gingivitis, what are the dangers?
Gingivitis is not always visible, but bleeding gums after brushing is an indication. This also applies to sensitive, swollen or red gums or bad breath. If you notice in time that you have gingivitis, you can still ensure that your gums recover with good oral hygiene.
Stage 2: periodontitis, what are the dangers?
If you do not intervene in time, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. In that case, the inflammation can spread to the jaw bone. You can prevent more damage through good oral hygiene. And by having all plaque and tartar removed from your mouth by a dentist, dental hygienist or periodontist. But once part of the jawbone is broken off, it is irreparable. Periodontitis can even cause teeth to fall out.
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How can you prevent damage to your gums?
By taking good care of your teeth, you can therefore prevent a few things. That starts with your diet. For example, too much sugar is not good for your teeth. In addition, make sure that you continue to brush well and that you have your teeth checked regularly. “2 to 4 times a year to the dentist and/or dental hygienist, then you are usually there. And dental hygienists who come to your home, that is also possible these days,” says Zoontjes.
Especially at a later age it is important to continue to maintain your teeth. Especially if you depend on care, it is not always self-evident that this will happen. If your gums bleed, get help as soon as possible, cautions Zoontjes. “If it happens more often, you really need to see a dental hygienist for advice. And take it. Periodontitis is the inflammation of gums and surrounding supporting tissues such as jaw bone and fibers. If you continue to walk with this infection for years, you will lose teeth and molars,” he says. “Avoid misery. Because we are all getting a lot older and we want to do that without dentures. That is also possible, but then you have to arrange that prevention well. Or have it arranged.”
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(Source: Archive, Allesoverhetgebit.nl, Colgate, NVM oral hygienists, Dental Clinics, Tandarts.nl, Questiondetandarts.nl. Photo: Shutterstock)