Why are My Gums Bleeding?

Have you noticed blood when you brush your teeth or floss? Seeing your gums bleed can be scary. While it’s not always a sign of something serious, bleeding gums should never be ignored. They often indicate an underlying problem that should be addressed.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums occur when the soft gum tissue in your mouth becomes inflamed, irritated, or damaged. The underlying causes can range from mild and temporary to more serious conditions requiring medical attention.

Early recognition is key because your gums play an essential role in protecting the bones and teeth they surround. Let’s take a closer look at the most common reasons behind bleeding gums.

Gingivitis or Gum Disease

One of the most common reasons for bleeding gums is gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup. If left unremoved by diligent brushing and flossing, it can irritate gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding.

It’s important to address gingivitis early because, if untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.

How to Address Gingivitis:

• See your dentist so we can evaluate the severity of your gum disease.
• Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes.
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
• Get regular professional dental cleanings to remove tartar that standard brushing can’t eliminate.

Aggressive Brushing or Flossing

When it comes to oral care, more or vigorous brushing or flossing isn’t always better. Using excessive pressure while brushing or flossing can irritate gums and cause them to bleed. The same applies if you’ve previously never flossed or have otherwise changed your oral care routine.

What to Do:

Start by choosing a soft-bristled toothbrush to reduce irritation to the gums. Use gentle, circular motions when brushing. Floss gently, curving the floss around each tooth rather than snapping it straight up and down.

Improper Tools for Oral Hygiene

Using the wrong products can also contribute to bleeding gums. Hard-bristled toothbrushes, for example, can be too abrasive for your gums. Similarly, sharp or poor-quality floss can cause irritation or injury.

Tools to Consider:

• Soft-bristled toothbrushes are gentle on the gums yet effective at removing plaque.
• Waxed floss or floss picks can glide between teeth more comfortably.
• Electric toothbrushes with built-in sensors can help prevent over-brushing.

Hormonal Changes

For people who are pregnant, menstruating, or experiencing menopause or puberty, hormonal fluctuations can make gums more sensitive to plaque. This condition, known as pregnancy gingivitis, is temporary but requires attentive care.

Bring up gum bleeding to your dentist even if you think it may be hormone-related. Continues to maintain excellent oral hygiene habits and drink plenty of water to promote gum health.

Medications

Certain medications like blood thinners can increase the likelihood of gum bleeding. These medications affect your blood’s clotting ability, making bleeding more noticeable during brushing or flossing.

Inform your dentist about all medications you take and stay diligent with oral hygiene to minimize plaque buildup, which can exacerbate bleeding caused by medications.

Smoking or Vaping

Smoking and vaping don’t just harm your lungs; they also negatively affect your oral health. Tobacco products can irritate gums and reduce oxygen levels in the bloodstream, making it harder for your gums to heal when bleeding occurs.

Quitting smoking or vaping can significantly improve your oral health. Speak to your dentist about resources to help you quit smoking.

Poor Diet

A diet deficient in essential vitamins, like Vitamin C and K, can contribute to gum issues, including bleeding. Additionally, excessive sugar consumption can feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to gum inflammation.

Incorporate fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, and kale, which are loaded with gum-friendly vitamins. Limit sugary foods and beverages to reduce plaque buildup.

When to See a Dentist

While occasional bleeding may not be cause for alarm, frequent gum bleeding should not be ignored. If you’ve tried improving your dental hygiene, but the bleeding persists, it’s time to make a dental appointment. We can assess your gums, diagnose the root cause, and provide a treatment plan. Early intervention is key to preventing more serious oral health complications down the line.

If you’re experiencing persistent bleeding or have concerns about your gum health, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment today!