Along with swelling and pain, consistently bleeding gums can be a symptom of gum disease. There are two main types of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis, with the latter being a more advanced version. In serious cases, this condition can ultimately result in tooth loss. It is helpful to understand who may be more susceptible to gum disease in the interests of treatment and prevention.
There are a number of factors that determine an individual's risk for getting gum disease.
The biggest risk factor for gum disease is poor oral hygiene. This can occur when a patient does not brush or floss on a daily basis and does not have regular dental cleanings twice a year. Plaque consists of food debris and bacteria that can inflame gum tissue, and insufficient cleaning allows plaque to build up on the teeth and under the gumline.
At one point, it was thought that age was a major risk factor for gum disease. While it is true that, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontitis affects 70% of Americans age 65 and older and the highest rates of periodontal disease occur in the elderly, age alone may not be a big risk. Instead, it may be that older people are more susceptible to medical conditions that can contribute to gum disease or have developed poor oral hygiene habits over a long lifetime.
Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can interfere with the body's inflammatory system. This can make a gum condition worse.
Certain nutrients support the immune system, allowing the body to fight off infection. If a patient's diet does not include enough of these nutrients, it can compromise the immune system and make fighting off an underlying infection more difficult.
Poor nutrition may also cause bleeding gums in the absence of infection. Deficiencies of vitamin K and vitamin C can lead to gum bleeding.
Gum disease is not a side effect of medications per se. However, dry mouth is a side effect of many commonly prescribed medications, such as antidepressants, certain heart medications, and oral contraceptives. Saliva contains antibodies that help fight infection, which are not available when production is reduced. Saliva also helps to cleanse food residue from the teeth.
Gum disease is only one of a whole raft of diseases for which using tobacco increases the risk. Part of the reason that tobacco use can raise the risk for gum disease is that it weakens the body's infection-fighting abilities.
Bruxism is the scientific term for clenching or grinding one's teeth. This may occur during sleep or become a habit that someone is not aware of during waking hours. In either case, grinding or clenching the teeth puts pressure on the supporting periodontal tissues, which can promote damage.
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Gum disease can have a number of effects, from bleeding gums to tooth loss in advanced cases. Knowing the risk factors can encourage changes to personal habits in the interest of prevention.
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In and of themselves, bleeding gums are not a huge cause for concern. However, the cause is worth investigating, as it may indicate a serious condition, such as gum disease or gingivitis, or the root of the issue may be nothing more than a change in dental hygiene habits. Before you panic, check out these…
Although the gums may bleed occasionally from rough brushing or flossing too vigorously, frequent bleeding gums are a sign that something is wrong. Dental issues are the most common cause of this bleeding, often due to proper oral hygiene not being practiced. Depending on the cause of the bleeding, there are certain treatments and preventative…
When people experience bleeding gums while brushing, they might not believe there is much cause for alarm because it is a common problem. However, this bleeding may indicate a growing gumline infection that could lead to serious complications and have a negative impact on oral health. Those who experience this issue can reverse or even…
In and of themselves, bleeding gums are not a huge cause for concern. However, the cause is worth investigating, as it may indicate a serious condition, such as gum disease or gingivitis, or the root of the issue may be nothing more than a change in dental hygiene habits. Before you panic, check out these…
The CDC states that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading oral infections in the United States. In addition, the National Institute of Health cites it as the most common culprit for adults losing teeth. Because the early stages of periodontal disease often do not have noticeable symptoms, many patients…