Causes of Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums are a sadly common occurrence, and they don’t have to be. At Bridge Smiles Dental Group, we provide periodontal therapies to help get patients’ gums healthy again, but we want people to know how to avoid this problem in the first place.

Periodontal disease follows from severe gum inflammation. This happens when a large amount of plaque had built up on teeth next to the gum line. The gums are irritated by acids caught by the plaque, which causes them to swell, bleed, and recede. The teeth and jawbone tissue also lose mass. Although plaque should be removed by professional hygienists, it may be possible to prevent further build-up by brushing for longer and with fluoridated toothpaste.

Patients should be cautious that brushing too hard can also bruise the gums. Pregnant women’s gums are likelier to become inflamed due to hormonal changes, and people who suffer from dry mouth are likelier to have bleeding gums because saliva plays an important role in preventing the spread of decay-causing bacteria. Certain medications can also increase the likelihood of gum disease if they are blood thinners.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit BridgeSmilesDental.com.

 

Children's Biannual Check-Ups

Big Smiles Dental Group is committed to maintaining the preventive care of all our patients, including our youngest ones. It is recommended that everybody visit the dentist twice a year for a check-up and professional cleaning. This is especially important for children, who have high rates of tooth decay.

Caries, the small dental surface infections which create cavities, can be very painful and seriously impact a child’s development. Tooth aches disrupt sleep, causing children to be irritable and have difficulty focusing. They also discourage children from chewing and speaking. This may prevent them from getting enough nutrition, and in young children, may delay their mastery of speech. Untreated tooth decay is a common problem, which in the mid-2000s, affected about one in five children. Tooth aches can also result from bruxism, which is the scientific name for teeth grinding and jaw clenching. This often results from stress.

Tooth decay is difficult to reverse on its own once bacteria are able to hide in cavities but is a routine matter for our dentists. It is important, however, for decay to be stopped before it becomes larger and before it disrupts a child’s schoolwork and development.

Drs. Meghadri and Grewal run Bridge Smiles Dental Group at 820 US Hwy 202 North Neshanic Station, NJ, and 15 North Bridge St. Somerville, NJ. To schedule an appointment, visit BridgeSmilesDental.com.

 

Sugar and Tooth Decay

It’s no secret that plaque is harmful to teeth, but the sugars that we consume can make it worse. Sugar causes bacteria in the mouth to produce acid that attacks the teeth. Over time, these acids can cause teeth to decay if they are not eliminated by proper brushing and flossing. At Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A., our doctors don’t expect you to cut sugar out completely, but we’d like to encourage you to reduce your intake to protect your teeth.

Sugars in food and drinks provide no nutritional value to tooth enamel. When a person doesn’t brush and flosses away plaque that accrues on the teeth, they raise the risk of developing cavities. Cavities are small holes that form in a tooth, and they require dental fillings to fix. Prevention is a key factor when it comes to tooth decay. To keep your teeth and gums healthy, you should brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Don’t forget to visit us twice a year for professional cleanings.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth decay, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.bridgesmilesdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Bridge Smile Dental Group P.A. in Somerville, NJ, call 908-725-0400.