Bleeding gums while brushing your teeth can be a cause for concern, as it is often an indication of poor oral hygiene or gum disease.
In many cases bleeding gums are caused by brushing too vigorously.
But there could also be other underlying causes such as a misaligned bite, or even illnesses like diabetes, that are responsible for your gum bleeds.
Fortunately, gum bleeding can usually be prevented and managed with proper dental care and regular visits to the dentist.
This article will discuss why bleeding gums occur, how to prevent them from happening in the future, and what treatments are available if you have already developed the condition.
Common causes of bleeding gums
Bleeding gums is a common dental issue that many people suffer, and can be caused by a variety of factors.
Poor oral hygiene and over-brushing are two of the most common causes of blood loss from the gums.
When plaque and bacteria build up on teeth due to poor dental hygiene and cleaning habits, or not flossing, it can lead to bleeding gums. Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the surface of teeth and contains bacteria, which can result in inflammation and bleeding when brushing.
Vigorous brushing may also be an issue. Brushing your teeth with too much force can irritate or injure the gums and make them more prone to bleed.
- Using hard-bristled toothbrushes and brushing with an aggressive technique can also result in bleeding.
- Gum disease (gingivitis) is another common cause of gum bleeds. If not treated, it can lead to more serious problems like receding gums, bone loss and eventually, tooth loss.
- Illnesses such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS which can weaken the immune system make it more susceptible to infection and may result in gum bleeds.
If you have bleeding that originates from the gums, it’s important to visit your dentist or hygienist to get an accurate diagnosis and discuss possible treatment options.
Your dentist may recommend a professional cleaning, which can help remove plaque and bacteria from teeth.
How To Prevent Bleeding Gums
The most obvious symptom of gum bleeding is noticing blood in your saliva while you brush your teeth. Other symptoms may include redness of gums, swelling, pain and bad breath.
To prevent bleeding from your gums, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits such as
- brush your teeth regularly
- use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- floss daily
- avoid sugary foods
- quit smoking if applicable
- visit your dentist regularly for checkups
Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing every day prevent gum bleeding. Using a fluoride toothpaste can also help reduce the risk of bleeding gums by strengthening teeth and preventing cavities.
It is also important to avoid vigorous or aggressive brushing, and to use a mouthwash containing antiseptic ingredients.
How To Treat Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be a sign of poor oral hygiene, gum disease, or too vigorous brushing. It should not be ignored.
If you have gum bleeds, it is important to treat the problem before it develops into something more serious.
If you already have bleeding gums, your dentist may recommend additional treatment options such as scaling and root planing or laser gum therapy.
Additionally, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication to help speed up the healing process.
At-home treatments for bleeding gums include:
- maintain good oral hygiene
- brush your teeth at least twice a day
- floss regularly
- use an antibacterial mouth rinse if needed
- avoid foods that are high in sugar, to prevent plaque build-up on your teeth.
If bleeding gums persist despite self-treatment, visit your dentist. Rule out other gum diseases. Or receive treatments such as a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or corrective surgery.
In some cases, bleeds from the gums can be caused by other medication you are taking. Talk to your doctor about it and they can help determine if bleeding from your gums is related to the medication.
It’s important to take gum bleeds seriously and treat them properly in order to prevent more serious dental problems.
Why it is important to take care of your oral health
Good oral hygiene is essential for a healthy mouth and overall wellbeing.
Taking proper care of your teeth, gums, and tongue can help prevent bleeding gums as well as other dental problems such as cavities, gum disease and tooth decay.
Brushing regularly with an appropriate electric toothbrush technique, along with visiting the dentist often, will go a long way in ensuring that you maintain optimal oral health.
In addition, it’s also important to limit sugary snacks or drinks and quit smoking.
With these small steps, you won’t have to worry about gum bleeds anymore!
In Conclusion
Bleeding gums while brushing teeth can be a sign of gum disease or poor dental hygiene.
If bleeding persists, it is important to speak with your dentist as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage and complications.
By taking proper care of your oral health, you should be able to keep gum bleeding at bay!
Remember that healthy habits practiced now will help ensure optimal oral health for years down the line.
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