The Digital Dental Surgeon

There were quite a few patients who came to the clinic complaining of bleeding gums especially during toothbrushing and sometimes spontaneously. They were quite worried and annoyed that even with vigorous toothbrushing, the bleeding wouldn’t go away.

Bleeding gums are caused by unhealthy gums. Generally in the normal body, if one part of it is unhealthy or got infected, blood comes rushing to the site. The ‘pooling’ of blood is basically a carrier or transportation method to deliver bodily components to fight infection and to rebuild the tissues.

One aspect of this ’self-healing’ by the body is inflammation. Inflammation is good although, in a way, maybe too good for the body. Inflammation of the gums for instance, would result in bleeding upon touch, during toothbrushing or sometimes spontaneously.

When it starts to bleed, people will generally be wary and try not to evoke more bleeding. How? Why, by not cleaning the area of gums properly as they should. People fear that brushing would make the gums bleed more.

I would always tell my patients not to be afraid or frightened when the gum bleeds. Be concerned yes, but definately not have fear for it. Bleeding is a warning given by your body, informing you that the gums are unhealthy.

How do we stop the bleeding?

Through improving cleanliness. Rather than avoid brushing the bleeding gums, please brush them well. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and clean both teeth and gums. If there are calculus or tartar, visit your neighbourhood dentist to have it removed.

After having done scaling and polishing at the clinic and proper toothbrushing (at least twice a day) and flossing, do expect the gums to bleed for a few more days. It takes time for the inflammation to subside and the bleeding to stop. As long as you keep with the cleaning regimen, all should be well in around 2 to 3 weeks.

I hope this helps in having healthy gums.

Cheers

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