Soothing Sore Gums

I was brushing my teeth one night and I noticed that my gums were a little sore and slightly bleeding. By the next day, the bleeding stopped and I assumed that it was the result of eating a toasted bialy for breakfast. Crunchy and delicious but not so beneficial for my teeth and gums.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.2 percent of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease describes infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround the teeth. Bacteria can infect the tissue surrounding the tooth, which results in inflammation and periodontal disease. The bacteria on the teeth can turn into a film known as plaque that hardens into tartar or calculus and then it becomes a problem that only a dentist can solve.

Gingivitis is an early form of periodontal disease, affecting the gums. Gingivitis is common and reversible. If left untreated, the condition can progress into periodontitis, which is the more severe form of gum inflammation that can affect the teeth. Symptoms of gingivitis include swollen or puffy gums, bad breath, receding gums, tender gums, and gums that bleed when you brush or floss.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include:

·       Smoking or Tobacco Use

·       Men

·       Diabetes

·       Older Age

·       Heredity

·       Female hormonal changes (e.g. pregnancy)

·       Certain medications

Not all gingivitis progresses into periodontitis. And while the gums are irritated, the teeth are still firmly in place. But in periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Gum disease can absolutely lead to tooth loss if left unchecked.

The key is to halt plaque build up on your teeth before it calcifies into tartar. Good oral hygiene is needed to stop the condition from progressing. Unfortunately, 42 percent of Americans don’t see a dentist as often as they would like, according to the Adults Oral Health & Well Being Survey.

In order to prevent periodontal disease, you should:

1.     Brush at least twice a day and floss every single day to get at that bacteria that can cause gingivitis.

2.     See a dentist at least once a year for cleanings and checkups.

As for me, my swollen, slightly bleeding gums went away as quickly it started. And yes, I am due for a dental appointment of course. It certainly couldn’t hurt more than having sore gums in the first place.