Can improper brushing cost you bleeding gums?

Taking charge of oral health is the need of the hour especially during Covid times. Unfortunately, oral hygiene has always been the last priority for people when it comes to overall health. All people know about dental hygiene is only to brush their teeth. But what about gums? Researches and studies show approximately 70% of patients have periodontal problems like bleeding gums are because of wrong brushing techniques that leave behind white plaque and tartar deposits causing gum irritation.

What exactly causes bleeding gums? 

White soft deposits called plaque and yellow hard deposits on the teeth called tartar are the main culprits. Plaque and tartar deposits in and around the teeth irritate the delicate tissues surrounding the tooth (gums). This is the main reason for puffy and bleeding gums.

Other causes of bleeding gums are hormonal changes in females, faulty food habits, smoking, and constant use of toothpicks, vitamin deficiencies, and uncontrolled blood sugar levels (diabetes). Learning the right brushing technique is the basics of dental hygiene and a must to avoid problems like bleeding gums. In addition to this, visit your dentist every 6 months and eat raw leafy greens and fresh fruits, to keep your gums strong and healthy and gum infections like gingivitis and periodontitis away.

Where are you going wrong?

Majority of people follow a wrong brushing technique that is using a  wrong brush, brushing aggressively (too roughly) or even too softly leading to bacteria residing on the teeth, not brushing on the sides, brushing for too long, or even too short period and failing to brush on the inner surfaces of the teeth. Plaque accumulation, tartar buildup, receding gums, tooth staining, cavities, and other issues can result from poor brushing and improper technique. Gum disorders can result from a variety of reasons, not only bad brushing habits.

Dr. Prachee Hendre, Periodontist & Implantologist (Gum Specialist) signifies,  “Almost 70% of the patients visiting the dental care clinic have bleeding gums,  due to inefficient brushing habits.” In her experience oral problems such as bleeding gums, periodontitis (infection of gums spreading to the bone), are commonly seen and the numbers are increasing at an alarming rate.

According to the (CDC) Centers for Disease Control, gum disease affects over 50% of persons over 35. Once you reach 60, that percentage increases to almost 70%. Therefore, even if you don't think you have gum disease, you probably do.

In her opinion, this is mostly because people are still aware of how to take care of their teeth, but are not aware of how to take care of their gums. Whereas what people need to understand is healthy gums make way for healthy teeth. Only when gums are strong, that's when teeth can become strong and will not fall off at an early or old age.

Diet and gum care

Food habits also contribute to bleeding gums. Yes, the type of food we eat makes our teeth and gums strong. Soft consistency foods, mainly carbohydrates present in sticky foods like bread & chips, stick to and between the tooth and easily attract the bad bacteria. These carbohydrates attack the tooth and are tough to clean (teeth that are behind) causing bacterial accumulation and gum irritation. 

Eat a healthy fibrous diet loaded with fresh fruits and veggies like carrots, spinach, etc. For initiating self-cleansing mechanism for your teeth and improving the condition of your gums. Including vitamin C in your diet can do wonders for your gums make them strong and improve their healing.

Who is more prone to bleeding gums?

Women in their late 30s and early 40s are more sensitive and attract more plaque and bacteria around their gums when the hormonal levels are high. For example, in conditions like pregnancy and menstruation, hence their gums can bleed easily. 

An increase in the blood sugar levels of the diabetics also increases the sugar levels in the blood around the teeth and gums. This elevated blood sugar level can invite germs and aggravate plaque growth. And this plaque is the main reason gum problems happen in the first place.

People with maligned teeth (crooked teeth) also experience bleeding from their gums and are more prone to gum diseases and infections. This is because overlapping and crowded teeth are difficult to clean. These areas are often not cleaned properly and some amount of plaque and tartar deposits are left behind, even if you think you might be brushing properly using the right technique.

How can you prevent bleeding gums?

• Ideal brushing and flossing techniques may not suit everyone. So if you are having bleeding gums while you brush or floss, consult your dentist about techniques that may suit you.

• Next time you go to buy a new toothbrush don't forget to buy dental floss too. Adding dental floss to your kit and flossing daily can keep the gums present between the teeth healthy too.

• Remember to visit the dentist every 6 months to keep your  gum health and eventually dental health intact.

Brush your teeth right, to keep your gums healthy and tight.

Highlights

• Dental care should start right  from the age of 6 months and should be continued for the rest of life.
• Not only teeth, but proper gum care is also an important part of your oral hygiene.
• Wrong brushing techniques can cause bleeding gums. So consult your dentist for the right brushing and flossing techniques best suited for you.
• Your teeth are not supposed to fall as you age. Proper gum care can save your teeth from falling out.
• Getting rid of plaque and tartar deposits on your tooth can save you from bleeding gums. So don't forget to visit your dentist every 6 months for a teeth cleaning and polishing.
• Lastly, brush your teeth right, to keep your gums healthy and tight.