Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth

asks Ursula:
A. There are a few reasons why your gums may bleed - because you haven't been cleaning your teeth properly and the plaque has built up, or it can be a sign of gum disease or infection.

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Q. What should I do
A. The first thing you should do is to brush your teeth thoroughly - don't avoid the areas which are sore or bleeding.

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Q. Won't I just make things worse
A. No. If the bleeding is caused by an infection or poor cleaning, a thorough brush two times a day will sort it out.

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Q. What if it still bleeds after that
A. See your dentist to check whether you have a gum disease.

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Q. What's�a gum disease
A. Gum disease is when your gums are swollen or infected and bleeding. The two main types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontal disease:

• Gingivitis is when the gums around the teeth are very red and swollen and bleed when brushed.
• If you have gingivitis for a long period of time, it can lead to periodontal disease. There are different types of periodontal disease, but what they all do is make your teeth loose over time if not treated.

Q. What causes gum disease
A. Plaque - the film of bacteria which forms on your teeth and gums and makes them feel 'tacky'. It's easy to get rid of this by careful brushing and flossing.

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Q. How common is it
A. Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults, and most people have some form of it.

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Because it's a very slow-moving disease, and mostly painless, you might not be aware you have it until your gums hurt.

It used to be considered a middle-aged disease which was relatively rare in younger people. However, a long-term study in new Zealand found that one in seven people aged 26 already has a well-established periodontal disease.

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Q. Can gum disease be cured
A. No. Periodontal diseases are never cured. However, a thorough cleaning by your dental hygienist and care advice from your dentist - followed carefully - can slow down the gum disease enough for you to hang on to your teeth for life.

However, it's vital that you remove plaque daily, and have regular check-ups.

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Q. Where can I find out more
A. Visit the Dental Health Foundation website.

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By Sheena Miller