What to do if your gums are bleeding or receding
Bleeding gums and receding gums are common symptoms of periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Diseases of the periodontium very often begin unrecognised and progress gradually. Only a dentist can rule out such a disease or treat it effectively, which is why a dentist should be consulted promptly in the event of gum changes before the bony periodontium becomes inflamed and irreversibly degraded by the body.
Ultimately, only a dentist can prevent further progression of the disease by examining the periodontium at regular intervals and carrying out so-called supportive periodontitis therapy. This is more than a normal professional tooth cleaning, as gum pockets and tooth root surfaces must also be treated in depth (see ApaCare Periodontitis guide).
Expert tip
Home dental care alone cannot stop the progression of periodontitis. However, it is very important to extend the regular check-up and cleaning intervals at the dentist to sensible intervals (e.g. 1 to 3 times a year depending on the progression and risk of the disease).