When you brush your teeth, do you see a little pink in the sink? Many people think that it is normal for gums to bleed when you brush. This is not true! In fact, bleeding gums can be an indicator of gum disease in its various stages. Gum disease is a common problem; advanced gum disease affects over 40 percent of adults over 30 in the United States.
Certain situations in life put some people at greater risk for gum disease than other people. If you have these risk factors, you are more likely to get gum disease:
Stress: Excess levels of stress over long periods of time can dampen the efficacy of your immune system. This impedes your ability to fight off infection, including gum disease. Stress can also lead to grinding teeth while sleeping (known as bruxism) or introduce problems with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Bruxism and TMJ disorders make it difficult to take care of your teeth and gums. While they do not cause gum disease, they make it worse if you are already infected.
Poor Nutrition: Vitamin C is vital to gum health. A lack of it in your diet can lead to bleeding gums (and a host of other problems) in a disease known as “scurvy.” Eating a balanced diet can help your immune system protect your body from many diseases, including gum disease. Proper nutrition is considered by many to be the foundation for good health.
For more information and an appointment with our Periodontist, call Fox River Periodontics, PC in Geneva, Illinois, at 630-232-7400. Dr. Kamy Noruzi and our team look forward to seeing you and helping your whole mouth stay healthy!