Your gum, also called gingiva, is the pink soft tissue surrounding the neck of your teeth. It is sensitive and can easily bruise or become infected and bleed. If your gums are bleeding consistently, you should not ignore it. Bleeding of the gums is a common sign of gingivitis, but it can also be a sign of something else. In many cases, bleeding gums are a minor matter that can be easily taken care of.
Common Reasons Why Gums Bleed
Here is a look at common causes of bleeding gums. You should consider seeing your Lovett Dental Jersey Village dentist if you suspect severe gingivitis or something more serious such as gum disease.
Brushing Too Hard
Brushing too aggressively, using a hard-bristled toothbrush, or using the wrong technique when you brush can irritate the sensitive gum tissue and cause it to bleed. If this is the case, you’ll notice light bleeding when you spit out the toothpaste during brushing. In order to prevent your gums from bleeding while you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and don’t use too much force as you brush.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the medical term for inflammation of the gums. It is caused by poor oral care, which leads to a buildup of plaque at your gum line. This usually results in redness and swelling of the gum and bleeding when you brush. You can stop gingivitis by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing daily with an antibacterial mouthwash. Untreated gingivitis can progress to gum disease.
Flossing the Wrong Way
It’s important to floss once a day in addition to brushing at least twice daily. Flossing helps get rid of plaque buildup on and between the teeth where your toothbrush doesn’t reach. However, people who just started a flossing routine may complain of gum bleeding because they are not used to it yet. If your gums continue to bleed after flossing for seven to ten days, you should see your dentist.
Pregnancy
Gum bleeding during pregnancy is called pregnancy gingivitis. This condition is temporary and happens due to hormonal changes during pregnancy that interfere with the body’s response to the bacteria that causes gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing can reduce the symptoms, which should subside after pregnancy.
Gum Disease
Your gums can bleed easily if you have periodontitis, also called gum disease. This is a serious infection that causes red, swollen gum (inflammation), chronic bad breath, and a bad taste in your mouth. Gum disease that remains untreated will eventually lead to deep periodontal pockets that pull away from the teeth and let in more bacteria. Damage to the bone beneath the teeth can also occur and result in tooth decay, loose tooth, or tooth loss.
Diseases such as leukemia, poor immunity, medications such as blood thinners, and dentures that do not fit well are other reasons why gums bleed.
What to Do About Bleeding Gums?
There are several ways to deal with bleeding gums. Simply changing your toothbrush can solve the problem. Here are some other steps you can take:
- Brush and floss correctly
- Improve your oral care routine
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Treat gingivitis early
- Talk to your doctor about your medication
- See your dentist for routine dental checkups and teeth cleaning
Visit Lovett Dental Jersey Village to Help Your Bleeding Gums
Lovett Dental Jersey Village is a family dentistry committed to providing reliable services for your whole family. Services for bleeding gums include routine teeth cleaning, treatment for gingivitis, gum disease treatment, and more. Our Lovett Dental Jersey Village expert dentist will do an oral evaluation before tailoring an oral care plan that suits your needs and can also explain the proper techniques for brushing and flossing. Call 281-890-5002 to schedule an appointment today.
