PUBLISHED ONInvalid Date Invalid Date
Bleeding gums may be a sign that you are suffering from gingivitis - the infection of the gums.
Q. My gums bleed when I brush my teeth. Is this normal?
No, it is not. It can be a sign that you are at risk of, or already have, gum disease.
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is an infection of the gums, supporting tissues and bones which hold the teeth. It is caused by the build-up of bacteria and dental plaque around the gums.
Left untreated, it can lead to gum pockets, damaged gum tissues and even cause tooth loss. Once gum tissues are damaged, the condition is irreversible.
Gum disease is infectious and can increases your risk of developing other health conditions, such heart disease, diabetes, stroke and the risk of pre-term births for women.
According to a 2003 Health Promotion Board (HPB) survey, 85 per cent of Singaporeans have some form of gum disease. Chances are, you are already suffering from the early stages of gingivitis.
Many people think that daily tooth-brushing is sufficient for healthy gums and teeth. Very few of us are aware that gums that bleed, even with gentle tooth-brushing, is one of the early symptoms of gum problems.
Other early symptoms include:
- Red and swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
Healthy gums are the foundation of healthy teeth. The good news is that the early stage of gum disease is reversible with good personal oral care, balanced diet and dental treatment.
Besides making regular visits to the dentist, you can take these steps to improve the condition of your gums:
- Brush gently at an angle along gum line with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a gum care toothpaste
- Clean in between your teeth and gums every day
- Follow up with mouth-rinse containing anti-bacterial ingredients
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet
You can start caring for your gums by using Systema Complete Gum Care System, which uses advanced dental technology from Japan for superior gum protection.
The complete gum care system consists of its toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and interdental brush and gel.
Systema is Japan's No. 1 toothbrush brand. Its patented super-tapered soft and slim bristles effectively clean your teeth while being three times gentler on the gums as compared to ordinary round-ended bristles.
Its gum care toothpaste has been clinically proven to be four times better than ordinary toothpaste in helping to prevent gum problems. Using its proprietary ingredients - IPMP and GK2 - it helps to kill bacteria and relieve red and swollen gums while strengthening teeth to fight against cavities.
For complete protection, use Systema gum care mouthwash. It's alcohol free with triple impact protection that helps to kill bacteria while relieving painful gums and providing long-lasting protection.
It is also important to clean your interdental spaces, especially for people who wear braces or dental bridges (also known as partial dentures).
Use Systema interdental brush and gel to clean the hard-to-reach spots. When used together with regular tooth-brushing, this step removes up to 95 per cent of plaque between teeth and gums.
By properly taking care of your gums, you can expect lower incidence of gum disease, better oral and general health, and a healthier and more beautiful smile.
Start caring for your gums today, and build a strong foundation with Systema.
This advertising feature was sponsored by Systema, a complete gum care system developed by LION - Japan's No. 1 oral care company. Systema offers a complete range of oral care products for healthy gums, healthy teeth and a healthier you.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is courtesy of Systema. The information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information published and should seek independent professional advice or services prior to making any decisions.
YourHealth, AsiaOne does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or any other assurances as to the content of this article, and accepts no liability for any loss whatsoever arising from any use of the information published herein.