Do you see blood whenever you brush your teeth? You may think it is natural, especially if you brush your teeth too vigorously. But did you know that bleeding gums could be a sign of a dental issue or a health problem? It is significant to consult a dental specialist immediately to determine if you need any gum treatment to resolve bleeding gums. Be wary as it could be a warning of something serious.
If all of a sudden you develop symptoms
of gum disease, there could be something going on inside your body that has
impacted your immune system’s ability to keep your mouth healthy. Our mouth is
the mirror of what’s happening inside the body. Thus, a healthy mouth reflects
a healthy immune system whilst bleeding gums may signify an illness.
What Bleeding Gums Signify
Inadequate plaque removal often causes
bleeding gums. Plaque carries germs which attack the healthy tissue surrounding
the teeth, causing the gums to become swollen and irritated, and may result
into bleeding when you brush or floss the teeth. This is the first stage of gum
disease that is called Gingivitis, which is considered as a painless dental
condition. Signs of Gingivitis may include bleeding gums, swollen or tender
gums, teeth started to loose, persistent bad breath, and change in the way the
teeth fit when biting. It is critical to treat the gum disease at this stage to
completely reverse it and to avoid further complications.
How Bleeding Gums Affect Overall Health
● It can hurt the
heart. People with periodontal disease are
likely to develop coronary artery disease compared to those who don't have.
According to researchers, the harmful bacteria from the mouth might enter the
bloodstream and attach to the fatty plaques in the heart's blood vessels,
increasing the risk of clots and triggering heart attacks.
● It is bad for blood sugar. Diabetic patients are seen to be more susceptible to have
periodontal disease than people without diabetes. Some experts believe that gum
disease could make it difficult to control the blood sugar, but treating it
might also help improve signs of diabetes.
● It may affect breathing. Having a
gum disease increases the risk of acquiring respiratory infections, such as
pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). When the bacteria
from the mouth are inhaled into the lungs, there is a huge possibility that it
can cause the airways to inflamed and thus affecting your breathing.
● It may affect memory. Poor
oral health is seen to have an association with high risk of getting dementia.
Experts believe that bacteria from mouth can spread to the brain through the
bloodstream or the cranial nerves, which are connected to the jaw. The bacteria
can affect the memory.