Bleeding Gums: Stopping the Flow

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[x]   Transcript: If ANYONE knows about bleeding gums, it's Bleeding Gums Murphy. The Simpsons' character has the nickname for a reason, and as he explained to little Lisa: Even though he knew he needed to go to the dentist for a cleaning, he never had. Angst ridden sax player - Bleeding Gums Murphy - had enough pain in his life as it was.Sound familiar? By putting off that cleaning you let more bacteria, plaque and tartar build up along your teeth at the gumline, which causes the gums to bleed. This is often a sign of gingivitis and possibly, even worse, periodontitis. Improper oral hygiene is the most common culprit resulting in bleeding gums. Plaque and tartar buildup can cause gum inflammation, and swelling and bleeding. Flossing improperly can also cause your gums to bleed, and receding gums or shifting teeth are also signs of gum disease that can cause bleeding.While gum disease is the MOST common cause of bleeding gums, they can also be caused by canker sores and oral ulcers. Bleeding gums are COMMON in chemotherapy patients, as canker sores and oral ulcers are frequent side effects of cancer treatments. Additionally, hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to swollen and tender gums, because the hormones increase blood flow to the area, and also change the tissue's resistance to inflammation.Now, The BEST way to STOP your gums from bleeding, is to PREVENT it from happening in the first place.Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day, gently, but thoroughly. Making SURE your mouth is clear of bacteria, plaque and tartar is the MOST beneficial thing you can do for your gums. Drink plenty of WATER, and balance your DIET so it contains fewer sugars for bacteria to breed on and has more tissue-strengthening vitamin C and calcium. THROW AWAY the cigarettes and tobacco products; they're just irritating your gums in addition to all the other major health reasons not to smoke!And try to RELAX. STRESS can raise hormone levels, which can cause your gums to flare up.Don't forget. To avoid - Bleeding Gums Murphy's - BIG mistake -- make at least TWO cleaning appointments each year.For more information on how to keep your gums healthy, check out other videos in this series.

[x]   Bio: Dr. Fletcher, received his undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Buffalo and his degree in dentistry from the University of Maryland. After a two-year general practice residency at the Veterans Administration hospital in Portland, Oregon, he joined the Veterans Administration Medical Center, in New York, where he trained for two years and received his specialty certificate in periodontics. A former Associate Clinical Professor in postgraduate periodontics in the department of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at the New York University College of Dentistry for more then 30 years, Dr. Fletcher is now an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Periodontics at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, where he teaches post-graduate periodontics and implant dentistry.He is also currently part of the Specialized Dentistry of New York team.