- Causes of bleeding gums
- Why you should not ignore bleeding gums
- Dental hygiene tips on how to stop bleeding gums
Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing can often come as a surprise to many people. In some cases, they may ignore the condition because it is assumed to be part of the brushing or flossing process, primarily if it occurs frequently and is not accompanied by pain or other oral health issues.
However, the truth is that your gums should not bleed at all during your regular oral hygiene routine. Bleeding gums signal that something is wrong with your oral health, and corrective measures must be taken to address and reverse it before it develops into more serious conditions, including gum disease or tooth loss.
Causes of bleeding gums
When your gums bleed during brushing or flossing, it could indicate one or more of several possible oral health issues, such as:
Gingivitis symptoms
Gingivitis can be a precursor to gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Developing gingivitis leads to irritation, redness, swelling and bleeding of your gingiva, which is the part of your gum around the base of your teeth.
Gingivitis is the result of plaque forming around your teeth that has hardened into tartar. Tartar creates a protective shield for bacteria and irritates the gumline, which in turn irritates the gingiva, causing it to become swollen and bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to gum disease, which may require direct intervention from your dentist.
Poor brushing or flossing technique
Bleeding gums can also be the result of incorrect brushing or flossing techniques. For example, brushing in an incorrect up-and-down or side-to-side motion can irritate the gum tissue, leading to bleeding. Ineffective brushing might leave some sugars behind that stick to teeth and turn into plaque, starting the gingivitis process.
Furthermore, forcing floss between teeth or using rough flossing techniques can also irritate and damage the gums.
Brushing too hard
You might be tempted to brush your teeth aggressively to ensure you remove all sugars and other foreign matter that can lead to cavities. However, brushing too hard can do more harm than good.
When you brush your teeth too aggressively, there is a risk of irritating or wearing away gum tissue at the gumline, which can lead to bleeding.
Using the wrong toothbrush
Your toothbrush could also be the cause of bleeding gums. Using a brush with hard, stiff bristles can scratch or irritate delicate gum tissues, causing bleeding and other unpleasant dental health outcomes.
If you previously used a soft-bristle brush and switched to one with firmer brushes, the sudden change in pressure might be too much for your gums to manage, leading to bleeding gums.
Nutritional deficiencies or reactions to certain medications
The lack of specific nutrients in your system can also lead to bleeding gums. Examples of these nutrients include:
- Vitamin C that helps your body produce collagen that supports good gum health
- Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and without which can lead to increased bleeding, including from the gums
- Vitamins D and B12 and iron that play a role in overall wellness and an indirect role in maintaining gum health
Additionally, some medications, such as blood thinners, ibuprofen, naproxen, and certain ones taken for diabetes, birth control, and blood pressure, can interfere with blood clotting or affect gum health, potentially leading to increased bleeding.
Why you should not ignore bleeding gums
Again, bleeding gums should never be ignored. Passing them off as a routine part of brushing your teeth can lead to adverse oral health conditions that can have a lasting impact on your smile.
For example, gums that bleed can be an early warning sign of gum disease, a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. As gum disease progresses, it can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss.
Bleeding gums can also be a sign of gum recession, which is often the result of brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Gum recession signs include teeth appearing longer than before, eventually exposing the tooth root. This makes it easier for harmful bacteria to infiltrate the area and affect the underlying bone, causing tooth sensitivity, loss of teeth, and ultimately, tooth loss.
There is also a strong connection between gum disease and other health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. Periodontitis has also been linked to respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Dental hygiene tips on how to stop bleeding gums
Stopping your gums from bleeding can be very easy, especially if you take action as soon as it starts.
The first step is to improve your oral hygiene by switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush. Additionally, adjust your brushing technique by using gentle, circular motions with the brush, particularly along the gumline. Ensure you are not pressing down too hard. Better yet, use an electric toothbrush that does the work for you and will sound an alarm if you press too hard. After brushing, gently and smoothly floss along the sides of each tooth.
If your gums are still bleeding or if you have any concerns about your dental health, schedule a checkup with your dentist. They will give your teeth and gums a thorough cleaning and remove any plaque or tartar before it can develop into serious concerns.
In cases of gum disease or recession, your dentist will discuss options to reverse or treat the condition, allowing you to enjoy optimal oral health once again.
Remember, bleeding gums can be a warning sign that something needs attention. Ignoring it means risking your oral health and impacting your beautiful smile, and we cannot have that!
If you have any concerns, reach out to our dental experts to get back on track to healthy teeth and gums and a smile you will be proud to share with the world!
Prevent gum disease, solve bleeding gums, and enjoy optimal oral health with help from the dental experts at Yonge Eglinton Dental in Toronto
Contact our dental health team when you are ready to optimize your oral health. We will work together to ensure your teeth and gums look great and are as strong and healthy as possible. Make an appointment for an office visit today by calling our office at 416-932-2222 or booking online. We look forward to seeing you!
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