Do you see a pink shade on your toothbrush whenever you brush your teeth? If yes, then you may have bleeding gums. Like gum inflammation, your bleeding gums can be due to a lot of factors. In this post, we will discuss the common causes of bleeding gums and why it happens.
The bristles of your toothbrush are too stiff for your gums.
Our gums are made of soft tissues. If you are trying out a new toothbrush and your gums start to bleed, the bristles might be too firm or stiff for your gums. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small brush head to prevent irritating your gums.
New to flossing
Many patients hate flossing because their gums tend to bleed when they start doing it. However, it’s natural for gums to bleed when you floss for the first time. The sensation of the floss is new to the gums, which causes gum irritation. When you start building up a routine with flossing, your gums will get used to it. The bleeding will then easily subside within a day to a week.
Gingivitis
If your gums start to swell and bleed, it can be due to the irritation from the tartar buildup near your gum line. When the bacteria in the plaque starts attacking your gums that cause bleeding, your gums are in the first stage of gum disease or gingivitis.
Gum inflammation and bleeding are also an indication that you should visit your dentist for a teeth cleaning and treatment for gingivitis. With proper care and rigorous oral hygiene, you can still prevent the progression of gum disease.
Hormonal changes
Changes in hormones can make your gums susceptible to bleeding. During stages where your hormones start to change like puberty, menopause, and during pregnancy, your body may tend to pump more blood to your mouth and cause the gums to be easily irritated.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop or becomes too frequent, visit your dentist immediately to prevent your risks for gum disease and other infections. If you’re pregnant, discuss your condition with your obstetrician to identify if other medications or health conditions cause the bleeding.
A symptom of a chronic illness
Dentists can detect medical conditions by looking and examining the mouth of their patients. Several diseases manifest some signs or clues in the mouth before major symptoms start to show. Even hard-to-detect diseases, like osteoporosis and GERD, can be detected by your dentist during their early stages.
Bleeding gums along with bad breath is a possible indication of diabetes. Your dentist will ask about your medications and medical history to identify what triggers the bleeding in your gums. Based on your oral exam results, your dentist will decide if you will need dental treatment or will be referred to a doctor for further tests.
If you are experiencing persistent gum bleeding, you should contact your dentist immediately. Soft Touch Dental provides comprehensive dental services in Florissant. Schedule your visit now before your bleeding gums get worse.