Gum Problems
Healthy gums 
are pink and firm and do not bleed
easily. Occasionally gum bleeding occurs if you brush your teeth and gums too
hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush or snap dental floss hard against your
gums. Using a soft-bristled tooth brush and flossing carefully can prevent the
problem.
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis ) causes red, swollen gums
that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain,
many people delay treatment. If not treated, gum disease can cause more serious
problems with the gum tissue.
What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?
Tooth decay in infants and very young children is often referred to as baby bottle tooth decay. Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when sweetened liquids or those with natural sugars (like milk, formula, and fruit juice) cling to an infant's teeth for long periods of time. Bacteria in the mouth thrive on this sugar and produce acids that attack the teeth. At risk are children whose pacifiers are frequently dipped in sugar or syrup. Giving an infant a sugary drink at nap or nighttime is particularity...
Read the What Is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay? article > >
As gum disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving
deep pockets where
plaque can hide and cause further damage. This stage
of gum disease is called periodontitis or
periodontal disease and is caused by an infection of
the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround and support the teeth.
Periodontitis can progress until it causes damage to the bones that support the
teeth. In this late stage, teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be
removed. It is important to treat gum disease early because it gets harder to
treat as it becomes more severe.
Other causes of gum bleeding, swelling, and pain include:
- Pregnancy, blood-thinning medicines, or bleeding disorders. These can cause gums to bleed easily.
- Lack of vitamins, such as vitamin K or vitamin C, or medical problems, such as anemia, that interfere with the body's ability to absorb certain vitamins.
- Teething in babies and young children.
- Dentures or a dental appliance that irritates the gums.
- A "gum boil" or infection around the root of the tooth. Swelling and redness, sometimes with pus, may appear at the base of a tooth.
- Diseases of the blood cells, such as leukemia. This is rare.
Many medicines can cause gum problems. If you suspect a medicine is the cause of your gum problem, call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue the medicine.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!
Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!
SOURCES:
American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010
This tool is intended only for adults 18 and older.
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