National Post

Do your gums bleed?

Imagine ignoring any other bleeding body part — here’s why your mouth is just as important

- IRIS WINSTON Postmedia Content Works

According to the Canadian Dental Associatio­n, seven out of 10 Canadians will experience gum disease in their lifetime1. Despite this, many Canadians are choosing to ignore the early signs of gum disease — bleeding and inflamed gums. A whopping 64 per cent of Canadians suffer from bleeding or inflamed gums and almost half (44 per cent) choose to ignore the issue or take minimal action2.

Many people think bleeding gums are a normal part of brushing or flossing but it’s actually a sign of early gum disease. It’s a problem that shouldn’t be ignored, especially since there are affordable, accessible solutions to address these concerns

Periodonti­st Dr. Thomas Nguyen, associate director of the periodonti­cs division at Mcgill University’s faculty of dental medicine and oral health sciences, confirms that “bleeding, red and swollen gums are hallmark signs of early gum disease, a common but preventabl­e condition. Good oral hygiene practices and regular dental checkups are essential to prevent and manage gum disease.”

A consistent regimen is imperative to help stop early gum disease in its tracks. Allowing early gum disease to progress means the soft tissue around teeth becomes more and more damaged. Advanced gum disease can even lead to tooth loss.

“An antibacter­ial toothpaste like Colgate Periogards­f offers a specialize­d formula to significan­tly reduce gum bleeding and inflammati­on and provide long-lasting gum protection with continued use,” adds Dr. Nguyen.

Colgate Periogards­f was awarded Best New Product by Brandspark in the toothpaste category thanks to a nationwide survey of 15,000 Canadians. In tandem with the Colgate Periogard Gum Protection Ultra Soft Toothbrush the regimen is a gumhealth powerhouse designed to fight bacteria that can cause inflamed or bleeding gums. An effective, over-thecounter duo that people can use every day, this routine focuses on caring for sensitive gums by gently removing bacteria and dislodging plaque.

Dr. Nguyen points out that “your oral health is just as important as your physical and mental health. If another body part was bleeding, you would visit a doctor to come up with a plan to address it. Your dentist is no different when it comes to bleeding gums and Colgate Periogards­f is an ideal part of that plan.” For more informatio­n on Colgate Periogard products, help identifyin­g signs of early gum disease and to take a Gum Health Quiz, visit www.colgate.ca.

1 https://www.colgate.com/en-ca/oralhealth/gum-disease/what-are-the-stages-ofgum-disease

2 Angus Reid Sur veys. 2024. Colgate Periogard Sur vey.

 ?? SUPPLIED PHOTO ?? A consistent oral health regimen, including the use of Colgate Periogard products, can help stop early gum disease in its tracks.
SUPPLIED PHOTO A consistent oral health regimen, including the use of Colgate Periogard products, can help stop early gum disease in its tracks.

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