Do your gums bleed when you’re brushing and flossing your teeth? Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed. Bleeding gums can be caused by a few different things. For example:
Gum Disease
Plaque that builds up on your teeth and around your gum line causes irritation and inflammation. This is called gingivitis, or the first stage of gum disease. Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is characterized by gum infection. Both gingivitis and periodontitis can result in bleeding gums.
Aggressive Toothbrushing
It’s great if you’re enthusiastic about brushing your teeth but don’t let that translate into sawing away at your teeth with your toothbrush like your life depends on it. Brushing too hard can irritate and inflame your gums, as well as erode your tooth enamel. Stick to gentle, circular motions with a soft-bristled manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush.
Blood Thinner Medication
If you are taking blood thinners for some reason, it prevents your blood from clotting like it might otherwise. This in turn may cause you to bleed more easily. However, it’s best to talk to both your primary care provider and your dentist before changing any medication like this. A vitamin K deficiency can also make you bleed more easily.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is full of hormonal changes. Some of these can make a mother’s gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. When you are pregnant, take extra care to brush and floss every day and eat a balanced diet.
Consult with Our Team!
If your gums always bleed when you brush and floss your teeth, please contact us at North River Dental Care. Our friendly team can evaluate your unique case and recommend a treatment plan to improve your smile with our comprehensive services.
Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0
