Bleeding Gums a Warning Sign: Woman Shares Journey to Reversing Gingivitis
LONDON – A growing awareness of the link between oral health and overall wellbeing is prompting experts to urge individuals not to ignore bleeding gums – a key indicator of gingivitis. A recent personal account highlights how consistent oral hygiene practices can effectively reverse the condition, offering hope for those who may be hesitant to floss due to discomfort.
Many people stop flossing because it makes their gums bleed, but dental professionals emphasize this is precisely when increased flossing is needed. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious condition where plaque and tartar creep below the gum line, leading to bone loss around the teeth. “At that point, not only the gum but also the bone supporting the teeth begins to be lost. That’s periodontitis,” explains Dr. Nik Sisodia, partner and co-founder of Ten Dental.
The consequences of periodontitis can be severe, ultimately leading to loose teeth and even tooth loss.Emerging research further suggests a connection between poor oral health and systemic diseases. A 2019 study published in Science Advances points to potential links with brain conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Dr. Rhode notes researchers are investigating “chronic inflammation, immune responses and direct effects of periodontal bacteria (notably Porphyromonas gingivalis) or their toxic enzymes (gingipains) reaching the brain and promoting pathology associated with Alzheimer’s.” While not definitive, this research underscores the importance of oral health for overall health, and calls for further examination.Gum disease has also been associated with heart disease, stroke, and obesity.
Fortunately, gingivitis is frequently enough reversible with prompt action. One individual,after consulting with Dr. Rhode, adopted a new oral hygiene routine.This included switching to an electric toothbrush – specifically the Oral-B iO3, which claims to remove 100 per cent more plaque than a manual brush – and focusing on proper technique: holding the brush in place rather than scrubbing, starting on the inner surfaces of the teeth, and finishing on the outer surfaces. Flossing remained “non-negotiable.” the bleeding stopped within a week.For those who find traditional flossing difficult, interdental brushes, like TePe’s EasyPick Reusable Toothpicks, offer an effective choice for cleaning between teeth, notably in hard-to-reach areas.
Recognizing the initial state of her gums, Dr. rhode scheduled a follow-up hygienist appointment in three months, deviating from the standard six-monthly check-up for healthy gums. Alongside improved oral hygiene, the individual also maintained a low-sugar diet, acknowledging that “excess sugar promotes harmful bacteria in the mouth,” according to Dr.Sisodia. “Dentists aren’t killjoys – enjoy everything in moderation, but keep sugar intake sensible.”
Three months later, consistent nightly flossing and the new toothbrush had restored gum health. Dr. Rhode confirmed the positive outcome, stating, “It really is easy to reverse, as you’ve seen.” She emphasized the need for greater attention to gum health, noting, “We just all need to pay more attention to our gums. They’ve been ignored for too long. everyone worries about their skin, but what’s more visible than yoru smile?”
