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Gum bleeding is commonly caused by gingivitis. Gingivitis over the long term may cause gum bleeding under regular teeth brushing, eating, after sleeping, or sometimes spontaneous bleeding. This can be commonly controlled by regular dental cleaning.

In rare occasions, this may be a sign of more severe problems such as blood diseases, drug interactions, diabetes, etc. A dental check up is a good starting point to rule out other non-dental related causes of gum bleeding.

A person in his twenties should be examined by a periodontist at least once every four years. Then in their thirties or older, a periodontal examination should be done once in three years. This is in addition to any other regular dental visits.

Periodontal disease doesn't cause pain in the early years; but it is also most easily treated when discovered early. By the time there is pain, gum shrinkage is noted and tooth mobility is felt, the disease would be quite advanced!

Research compiled over the last five years has shown that untreated gum disease is correlated to diabetes, heart and blood vessel diseases, stroke, pregnancy complications, and perhaps even Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis and some types of cancers. Mouth infections may also increase the risk for those who are undergoing several types of surgery.

A study published by the New England Journal of Medicine found that by treating severe gum disease, the function of the blood vessel walls could be improved, thereby improving heart health. Two studies in the Journal of Periodontology also found periodontal bacteria (which are present in inflamed gums) in the arteries of people with heart disease and in the placentas of pregnant women.

Another well established link has been between gum disease and secondary infection. An example is patients with heart valve defects. These patients are commonly warned by their doctors to take antibiotics before dental or surgical procedures so that the bacterial disruption in their mouth will not travel through the bloodstream to infect the valve.

Bearing all the above in mind, maintaining healthy gums is something that is simple to do, and yet, potentially can have a positive impact on the overall health of one’s body. It certainly shows that prevention is better than cure, when it comes to taking good care of your teeth!