Article
Causes and prevention of plaque, gingivitis, bleeding gums and periodontitis
04-Jul-2007
Causes and prevention of plaque, gingivitis, bleeding gums and periodontitis
Bleeding from the gums is mainly due to inadequate plaque removal from the teeth at the gum line. This leads to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and dental appointments, it hardens into what is known as tartar. Ultimately, this will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as periodontitis.
Healthy gums need regular care and visits to the dentists. Bleeding of gums is also influenced by the type of diet. Food which is high on sugar can encourage the growth of bacteria or plaque on the teeth, which leads to gum disease. Cleaning your teeth regularly, keeping sugary food to a minimum and visiting your dentist regularly can help to reduce your chances of getting serious gum disease. Some ways of controlling the gum bleeding can be pointed as follows:
• Visiting the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal.
• Brushing teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal
• Flossing teeth twice a day to keep plaque from building up
• Eliminating between-meal snacks and reduce carbohydrate intake to help prevent plaque build-up on teeth.
• Using an oral irrigation device on the low setting to massage the gums.
• Maintaining a balanced, healthy diet.
