Bleeding gums is a common experience, and often one that comes by surprise. You brush your teeth and spit into the sink only to see some pink staining in the toothpaste. When you smile into the mirror, there is blood along your gum line.
Bleeding gums are not a reason to panic, but they should not be ignored either. Gums are not meant to bleed. When they do, it is important to find out why they are bleeding. The fix may be as simple as a change to your dental care routine or you may need a visit to the dentist.
Causes of Bleeding Gums
Almost everyone will notice their gums bleeding at some point. Usually, it only lasts for a few seconds before the blood clots and the bleeding stops. Identifying the cause of the blood can help you keep it from happening again. Some common reasons for bleeding gums include:
- Wrong Brushing or Flossing Technique – Vigorous brushing or flossing is hard on your gums and can scratch them. Switching to a soft bristled toothbrush and using a lighter touch while brushing and flossing will eliminate bleeding.
- New to Flossing – The first few times you floss may irritate your gums and cause bleeding. Continuing to floss gently but thoroughly should cause bleeding to subside after a week or so.
- Gingivitis – Gingivitis makes the gums swollen and tender, which causes them to bleed during brushing. Better brushing and flossing technique can help stop gingivitis, and early intervention by a dentist can help prevent gingivitis from developing into gum disease, so you should meet with your dentist if your gums are bleeding without another apparent cause.
- Pregnancy – Pregnant women sometimes have inflamed gums, called pregnancy gingivitis. The inflammation can lead to bleeding when you floss or brush. Good dental hygiene will often help, but you can also work with your dentist if bleeding becomes severe.
- Medications – Blood thinning medications, including ibuprofen, keep your blood from clotting and cause more bleeding. This will happen any time you get a cut, not just at your gums.
- Poor Fitting Dentures – Dentures that fit too tightly will often make the gums bleed and bleeding may be a sign that your dentures need to be refitted.
- Health Conditions – Underlying health conditions like diabetes and hemophilia or a lack of essential vitamins can hinder your blood’s ability to clot. This leads to an increased risk of bleeding gums during brushing or dental treatment. These conditions will often cause excessive bleeding from cuts elsewhere on your body, but can usually be managed with your primary care physician.
In general, the best way to prevent gums from bleeding is to practice good oral hygiene. This includes avoiding sugary or acidic foods and beverages, brushing at least twice a day, flossing regularly, and professional dental cleanings.
If your gums are bleeding frequently or continuously and changing up your dental routine has not helped, you will want to schedule a visit with your dentist. Pain or swelling in your gums, toothaches, or other symptoms alongside bleeding gums may also indicate an immediate problem. For those who need treatment for bleeding gums in Salinas, make an appointment Dr. Washburn today.