Bleeding gums are a common and frequent problem and are usually not considered a severe issue. You might occasionally see some blood after either brushing or flossing your teeth, because both activities will irritate your gums if they are sensitive. The most common cause for your bleeding gums is the continued accumulation of plaque or tartar on your teeth. This buildup promotes bacteria, which will reach your gum line and promptly infect your gums. With your consistent daily and proper oral hygiene at home, complemented by preventative exams with your dentist every six months, you can avert any gum sensitivity and stop any gum bleeding.
Common Causes of Bleeding Gums
There are various potential causes for bleeding gums, including gum disease, which will need attention from your dentist. Other frequent causes of bleeding gums might include:
- Having gingivitis, or the first stage of gum disease.
- Ignoring brushing your teeth twice a day, leaving plaque and tartar to accumulate on your teeth.
- Using your toothbrush too aggressively or using one with stiff or hard bristles.
- Using an old toothbrush that needs to be replaced.
- Being too aggressive with your dental flossing, cutting, or irritating your gums.
- Taking specific medicines, like blood thinners, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
When You Should See Your Dentist
It is certainly in your best interest to make an appointment with your dentist if you notice changes in your teeth, gums, or mouth.
Any swelling, redness, discomfort, pain, running a fever, or bleeding of your gums is not healthy or normal. If the situation continues and does not subside with your daily good oral hygiene practices, your dentist will perform an exam and identify if it could be gum disease or another source.
Other plausible causes could be a vitamin deficiency with vitamin C or K, pregnancy, or a particular medical condition, causing your bleeding gums. Please see your dentist if your bleeding gums continue after trying to address them at home. You can try to treat it at home by trying these: begin with a new and correct toothbrush twice a day, take your time flossing, use a mouthwash or try a warm saltwater rinse, try ice, a gauze pad, try to avoid smoking, and also avoid processed or sugary foods.
Consistent and regular dental exams will prevent and stop gum disease from progressing. If neglected, though, and left untreated, your gum disease will advance to even more infection and also tooth loss. Your dentist will thoroughly evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums, and mouth and identify if there are other problems, such as oral cancer.
Preventing Bleeding Gums in The Future
The easiest way to prevent bleeding gums is by living a healthy lifestyle to stave off diseases that cause bleeding gums.
You can prevent bleeding gums and other gum problems by simply:
- Performing good oral health habits at home by brushing twice a day, two minutes each time, and by flossing daily.
- Replace your toothbrush every 3 months.
- Complimenting your efforts with a preventative dental exam every six months.
- Have your teeth professionally cleaned at each exam.
- Visiting your family doctor consistently also detects any possible health problems that could contribute to gum issues, like diabetes.
- Participate in a healthy diet, with fruits and vegetables, and limit processed foods and added sugars.
- Do your best to try to avoid smoking or seek help to quit.