Dr. Kathleen Tantuco from Vernon Woods Dental Care Associates answers a reader’s question about bleeding gums.
Q: Why do my gums bleed?
Unlike most diseases that give us early warning signs, gum disease progresses silently, often without pain. Bleeding of the gums is one of the few initial signs and is due to bacterial infection and inflammation. Progression of the disease will result in the loss of bone surrounding the teeth. However, with regular check-ups and proper home care including brushing, flossing and using a mouth rinse, you can significantly decrease your risk.