Q.
I am 16 years old and I brush my teeth twice a day and use mouthwash. But when I brush my teeth my gums bleed in a couple of places. Could i have gum disease? I look after my teeth and always brush twice a day. My mum said it’s because I brush my teeth too hard that my gums bleed when I brush. Please help I am really worried and I don’t want all my teeth to fall out.
I am 16 years old and I brush my teeth twice a day and use mouthwash. But when I brush my teeth my gums bleed in a couple of places. Could i have gum disease? I look after my teeth and always brush twice a day. My mum said it’s because I brush my teeth too hard that my gums bleed when I brush. Please help I am really worried and I don’t want all my teeth to fall out.
A.
The gums do not normally bleed as a result of vigorous brushing. Bleeding is normally related to inflammation caused by plaque. It may well be that you have a mild and superficial inflammation caused by plaque that you do not reach during your brushing routine. This is particularly common in between teeth if no interdental cleaning devices (floss or interdental mini-brushes) are used. Make sure that you do this in that area. If the bleeding persists you should ask your dentist. The potential effect of persisting inflammation of the gums is bone loss (gum disease) that affect some people and some teeth over the years.
The gums do not normally bleed as a result of vigorous brushing. Bleeding is normally related to inflammation caused by plaque. It may well be that you have a mild and superficial inflammation caused by plaque that you do not reach during your brushing routine. This is particularly common in between teeth if no interdental cleaning devices (floss or interdental mini-brushes) are used. Make sure that you do this in that area. If the bleeding persists you should ask your dentist. The potential effect of persisting inflammation of the gums is bone loss (gum disease) that affect some people and some teeth over the years.
Dr Jose Zurdo
Mall Dental Care
Pall Mall, Manchester, M2 4DU
Web: www.malldental.com Tel: 0161 830 7300
