Bleeding gums can be the first sign of gum disease. Oftentimes, bleeding gums aren’t something to panic over, but you’d still need to visit a dentist for a checkup to determine whether it’s serious. Since bleeding gums are common, many people often overlook them.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Your gums can bleed because of several reasons. Each cause of bleeding needs to be treated differently, so it’s crucial to find the reason behind why your gums are bleeding and treat it appropriately. Some common causes of bleeding gums include:
- Gingivitis - The accumulation of plaque along the gum line can infect the gums.
- Medications - Blood-thinning medications like aspirin can decrease the blood’s ability to clot, which leads to bleeding.
- Changes in dental hygiene routine - If you’ve never flossed before, your gums will bleed in the beginning. It should clear up within a week with proper dental care.
- Brushing or flossing too vigorously or with too much pressure - Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentler touch, the bleeding should stop in a few days.
- Pregnancy gingivitis - Hormones during pregnancy can cause your gums to be more sensitive and bleed easily.
How To Stop Bleeding Gums
You can prevent bleeding gums with proper oral hygiene, such as brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle flossing technique. Bleeding gums are mainly due to inadequate dental care resulting in the buildup of plaque on the teeth and around the gum line. In addition to brushing and flossing daily, be sure to visit your dentist for professional cleanings and checkups.
Some additional tips for keeping your gums healthy and blood-free are:
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash. Rinsing your mouth with antiseptic or antimicrobial mouthwash can help reverse gingivitis, and eliminate harmful bacteria in your mouth, preventing inflamed and bleeding gums.
- Eat better. Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals can improve oral health by providing your gums with nutrients. So, eat more fruits and vegetables and avoid sugary foods or drinks that promote bacterial growth.
- Monitor stress. Did you know stress can increase inflammation in your body, which in turn can make your gums bleed easily? It also reduces your immune system's functionality which makes it difficult for your body to fight off infection.
- Avoid tobacco. Tobacco use can weaken your immune system and damage your teeth and mouth, increasing your risk for gum problems, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you regularly experience bleeding gums, don’t prolong it. When left untreated, bleeding gums can result in many oral health problems like severe periodontal disease and gingivitis. Schedule an appointment with us today to get treatment for your bleeding gums. Kildonan Crossing Dental Centre is located in the strip mall at the northwest corner of Lagimodiere Boulevard and Regent Avenue.