Gums can bleed for a variety of reasons, some of which are serious. Whilst experiencing occasional bleeding gums (particularly after brushing or flossing) is not an immediate cause for concern, a persistent problem may indicate poor dental hygiene and the presence of gingivitis or periodontitis. If you regularly experience bleeding gums, you should book a consultation with your dentist at your earliest convenience so that a thorough oral examination can be performed.
At Glowing Smiles Dental we are passionate about helping patients maintain a healthy, glowing smile all year round. In this blog post we will be sharing some common causes of bleeding gums and how you can reduce the risk of this occurring.
Are Bleeding Gums a Concern?
In many cases, bleeding gums occur as a result of excessive force during brushing or flossing. Using a hard bristled toothbrush in a forceful manner can irritate the gums, causing inflammation and potentially bleeding. It is best to use a soft or extra soft toothbrush with even, gentle strokes to achieve an effective clean without irritating the gums.
Dentists recommend flossing at least once per day; however, many people floss on an irregular basis. As the gums may have been inflammed, some people experience bleeding and irritation initially upon regular daily flossing. This is usually only temporary, and with daily flossing you should notice that your gums no longer bleed after 1-2 weeks.
Bleeding gums can be a concern if bleeding occurs after every brushing/flossing session. This indicates that you may have an underlying oral health condition such as gum disease (gingivitis) in need of diagnosis and treatment. You should not hesitate to contact Glowing Smiles Dental to book an appointment. Early intervention will result in the most favourable treatment outcomes.
Top 3 Causes of Bleeding Gums
Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, whereby the gums feel tender to the touch and appear swollen and inflamed. Daily brushing helps to remove bacteria (plaque) before it has a chance to build up and harden into tartar. Poor oral hygiene habits may result in periodontitis, a serious gum infection which may lead to tooth loss.
Gum disease is a preventable condition, and providing it is caught early it may be reversed. A professional clean and fluoride treatment followed by adherence to a good oral hygiene routine will help to reduce the incidence of bleeding gums.
Dental Treatments and Medications
You may experience bleeding gums after a dental appointment. This is most common following oral surgery, and your dentist will make you aware of this prior to your appointment. Aftercare instructions will be provided, which typically involve the use of gauze to manage the bleeding.
People who take prescription and over the counter medications can also experience bleeding gums. Blood thinners and aspirin are known to cause this.
Xerostomia (dry mouth)
People with persistent dry mouth are at a greater risk of experiencing bleeding gums due to the lack of lubrication and higher concentration of bacteria around the teeth and gums. Dry mouth can be caused by some types of medications, and it is also common amongst heavy drinkers and heavy smokers.
Worried about Bleeding Gums? Call Glowing Smiles Dental Today
There is often a simple explanation behind the cause of bleeding gums. Changing your brushing technique or adhering to a good oral hygiene routine may be all that is necessary to stop this problem, but it is important to rule out any serious oral health complications. If you have noticed that your gums tend to bleed on a regular basis, please don’t hesitate to book an appointment at Glowing Smiles Dental today.
