Return to Health Information Index
Bleeding Gums: A Sign of Health Troubles Ahead
If you have bleeding gums, you could be developing gingivitis and periodontal disease. This condition is not strictly mouth-related. Gingivitis and periodontal disease could lead to more serious health conditions, such as a weakened heart, cancer of the pancreas, and other diseases that could put your life at risk.
When you have chronic gum bleeding, that's a definite sign that something isn't right. It also means that your mouth is playing host to bacteria - hundreds of them - and they're slowly entering your bloodstream.
When bacteria invade the body, they affect our circulatory system. Instead of transporting nutrients, it is transporting harmful bacteria. Bleeding gums are secondary. The primary concern here is that our health is in peril.
Cause of Bleeding Gums - Signs of Periodontal Disease
The mouth is a part of the body where bacteria are present. It has often been said that a certain amount of bacteria is normal, indeed necessary, to maintain health. But there is such a thing as harboring an excessive amount of bacteria. That comes about when we indulge in sugar.
Sugar fuels bacterial growth. Bacteria thrive in white sugar (also called sucrose) and this is precisely how they remain entrenched, particularly in the area separating gums from teeth.
When bacteria find a permanent home in our mouth, thanks to our regular intake of sugar, we've just welcomed them and left them to their own devices. They begin to wreck havoc on our health and when we decide to fight them, it requires great effort.
What happens next is that our gums bleed, swell and become acutely sensitive. You won't experience these sensations right away, but they build up slowly like a thief in the night.
One proof that bacteria have attacked our system is the appearance of a substance called calculus - also known as calcified plaque. Calculus is plaque that has hardened and can't be removed by ordinary brushing or flossing. Only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it. It is plaque that has mineralized and looks like a crusty element that lies above and below the gum line.
When calculus is allowed to remain in the gums, the bacteria start attacking your teeth and gums very quickly. Toxin build-up occurs and if you don't receive treatment, you could get diagnosed with serious gum disease, periodontal disease and weak teeth. You could also be in danger of losing your teeth. That, or you could suffer from other health disorders.
Note that bleeding is not the only manifestation of poor health. Your bleeding gums could be telling you that your internal system is at great risk.
It may seem like a minor problem because your dentist does such a great job every time you go, but another condition might actually be brewing: deteriorating gum tissues and weakened bones - the bones that hold your teeth in place!
Shouldn't Regular Brushing and Mouth Rinsing Do the Trick?
Yes, but only to a certain extent. Your toothpaste and mouthwash can temporarily stall the development of more bacteria.
Toothpaste contains chemicals while mouthwash contains alcohol. They can stop the formation of bacterial colonies, but once the effects of toothpaste and mouthwash fade, the bacteria simply start again where they left off.
In fact, regular toothpaste and mouthwash might even hasten the growth of bacteria.
Importance of Chemical Free Tooth Oil When Brushing
A natural tooth oil such as OraMD Tooth Oil is something you can use to brush your teeth and freshen your breath. This is much safer than traditional toothpaste or mouthwash. The reason lies in one ingredient of toothpaste: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS has been known to irritate skin, so it is often used in lab studies to test products for their tendency to irritate human skin. Using your toothpaste over the years, therefore, means that your body has absorbed SLS. Think of the implications!
Let's take mouthwash as another example. It contains alcohol. Alcohol, as you may be already aware, is a dehydrating substance. Excessive use of mouthwash can make our mouths dry; when our mouths are dry, bad bacteria begin to spread because they're left unchecked. The oxygen and enzymes in human saliva are supposed to scare the germs away, but when there's too much alcohol, the oxygen and enzymes can't do the work they're supposed to do. Bacteria just love it when they sense the absence of enzymes and oxygen.
Steps We Can Take
One recommended method is to reduce your sugar intake. Another step is to visit your dentist at least twice a year for cleaning and inspection, and to floss at least once a day.
Another method is to use natural plant oils to take care of your teeth, gums, and the tissues in your mouth. You may be interested in using a spearmint, peppermint, and almond tooth oil in place of, or in addition to your regular toothpaste.
When bacteria attack our internal tissues, it takes longer to treat affected areas. The poor condition of your mouth took time to develop, so it will take time to restore it to its naturally healthy state.
If you enjoyed reading this health information, then please SUBSCRIBE
to our free, bi-monthly newsletter which includes healthy lifestyle and new product information. We also offer promotional discounts on all of our products. Click Here to Subscribe