It can certainly be startling to see blood when you are brushing your teeth. Bleeding gums are very common, but they can indicate serious problems. While there are many causes behind bleeding gums, it is important to remember that bleeding gums are not simply a natural occurrence. There will certainly be a cause that needs to be resolved to protect your oral health. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, you may want to consider consulting our professional team at the Oral Health Center for guidance with resolving the issue.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the beginning stages of gum disease, when it is often easier to reverse. Plaque, bacteria, and food particles that accumulate in the mouth and under the gum line tend to result in gingivitis. It is important to treat gingivitis to prevent it from escalating to a more serious form of gum disease, such as periodontitis. The bacteria and food particles in the mouth tend to cause infection and swelling in the gums, which can lead to additional problems. When you implement effective oral hygiene strategies, you may be able to stop gingivitis in its tracks. If you suspect that you have gingivitis, you should schedule an appointment with our office.
Medications
Various medications can cause the blood to thin out, which results in an individual bleeding more easily. Because of this, some medications will result in bleeding gums. Pay attention to your teeth after you begin taking a new medication. If the bleeding gums arise around the same time as you began the medication, it is highly possible that the medication caused the bleeding gums.
Brushing Too Hard
It is a common misconception that brushing your teeth harder will make them cleaner. However, this isn’t the case. It doesn’t require extreme amounts of pressure to remove harmful particles from your teeth. In fact, when you brush too hard, you cause damage to your teeth and potentially your gums. Brushing too hard may lead to bleeding gums. If you are unsure if you are brushing too hard, pay attention to your toothbrush. Going through brushes too quickly, or toothbrushes with frayed or bent bristles may be an indication that you are brushing your teeth too hard.
Pregnancy
There are many oral health problems that tend to be prevalent in pregnant women. The hormone changes can cause changes with the mouth, which makes it incredibly important for pregnant women to protect their teeth. They are often more susceptible to gingivitis, which can cause their gums to bleed.
Flossing
Many people notice that their gums begin to bleed as they are flossing. When you are first beginning to floss or have missed a few days of flossing, your gums may bleed while you floss. However, it is important to continue to floss after this point. Bleeding gums are often an indication that your oral health is less than ideal.
Ill-Fitting Dentures
Dentures that don’t fit properly tend to move around in the mouth. This can cause them to rub against the gums, which can result in bleeding. If you wear dentures, it is important to ensure that they fit correctly and don’t cause damage to the interior of your mouth.
Diabetes
Many diseases result in an increased risk of gum disease and oral health issues. Diabetes is one of these diseases. When an individual has diabetes, their immune system function is ultimately lowered. This means that they are more likely to get infections from bacteria, like the bacteria in the mouth that can cause gum disease. If you regularly have bleeding gums, you may want to consider visiting your doctor to discover any underlying illnesses.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the accelerated form of gum disease. It often occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and allowed to progress. Periodontal disease can cause damage to the tissue and the bone. It can also lead to the loss of teeth. It is important to visit us for the appropriate treatment when you think you have periodontitis.
Vitamin K or C Deficiency
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly K or C, can lead to bleeding gums. If you are having difficulty determining the underlying cause of your bleeding gums, it is possible that you will need to increase your consumption of vitamin K or C.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
Prevention is generally the best approach to take to prevent bleeding gums and protect your oral health. Following a good oral hygiene routine can go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of gum disease and protecting your smile. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, rather than a hard-bristled one in order to prevent damage to the surface of your teeth. Rinsing with salt water regularly can help to reduce inflammation. Try to avoid consuming sugary drinks or foods in order to protect your oral health. It is additionally important to stop smoking or chewing tobacco to prevent damage to your smile.
Clearing Up Bleeding Gums
The cause of your bleeding gums will determine the best way to reverse the issue. In most situations, you should consider using an effective oral hygiene routine in order to improve the health of your teeth and reduce the possibility of gum disease. You also need to visit your dentist when you are experiencing bleeding gums to have the issue resolved.
Increased Risk Factors
There are many risk factors that can increase the likelihood of gum disease and bleeding gums. Some of these risk factors include the use of various medications, genetic factors, smoking, excessive levels of stress, and aging. If you have these risk factors, you may need to visit your dentist on a more regular basis.
Bleeding gums aren’t only inconvenient and potentially worrisome, but they also indicate that there is an issue with your oral health. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, it will be beneficial to visit us at the Oral Health Center for the appropriate treatment. Our various services can help to prevent bleeding gums and restore your oral health. To learn more about the prevention of bleeding gums, contact us at the Oral Health Center today!
