If you have been noticing that your gums are bleeding more than usual, you are not alone. Many people experience this issue at some point in their lives. This includes bleeding after brushing your teeth or flossing. There are several reasons why your gums might be bleeding, and the best way to treat the problem will depend on the underlying cause. In this article, we will discuss the most common causes of gum bleeding and what you can do to stop it!
Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
Gingivitis
If you have gingivitis, your gums may bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. It happens when plaque builds up on your teeth and gums. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When plaque is not removed, it can turn into tartar (calculus). Tartar is a hard, yellowish deposit that can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene.
The main symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen gums, and bleeding gums (when brushing your teeth or for no obvious reason). Typically, Gingivitis does not cause any pain or other symptoms. This is why it often goes undetected for quite some time.
Periodontitis
If left unchecked gingivitis can become more severe, causing periodontitis. This happens when the inflammation of your gum spread to your periodontium (the supporting tissues and bone around your teeth). Periodontitis can cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, form deep gum pockets, and eventually lead to tooth loss.
The main symptoms of periodontitis are bleeding, red and swollen gums, gum pain, and bad breath. You may also notice that your teeth look longer than they used to. This is because the gums have started to pull away from your teeth.
Diseases Not Related to the Mouth
Surprisingly, there are many diseases that can cause gum bleeding that are not related to the health of your mouth. In general, there are many different relationships between your oral health and overall health. For example, Von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a condition that prevents your blood from clotting properly. This can lead to bleeding gums (among other symptoms). There have also been studies that have linked asthma and gum bleeding. So, if you have been noticing that your gums are bleeding more than usual, it is a good idea to see your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Pregnancy
It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience gum bleeding. This is due to the increase in hormones during pregnancy, which can make your gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. Specifically, the increase in estrogen and progesterone levels can change the composition of the bacteria in your mouth, which can lead to gum disease.
Brushing Too Much or Too Hard
Another common reason for gum bleeding is simply brushing your teeth too much or too hard. While it is important to brush your teeth twice a day, you don’t need to brush them vigorously. In fact, brushing too hard can actually damage your gums and cause them to bleed. When brushing your teeth, use gentle circular motions and be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Certain Medications
Certain medications can also cause your gums to bleed. These include blood thinners, anti-platelet drugs, cancer treatments, and steroids. If you are taking any of these medications and have noticed that your gums are bleeding more than usual, be sure to talk to your doctor about it.
What Can I Do About My Gums Bleeding?
It is important to focus on the things that you can control when it comes to your gum health. This includes looking at the factors that increase the risk of gum bleeding which you can change.
Brushing and Flossing Regularly
The best way to prevent gum bleeding is to brush and floss your teeth regularly. This will remove the plaque and bacteria that can cause gum disease. Plaque is easy to remove when it first appears but can harden if not taken care of quickly.
Be sure to use gentle circular motions when brushing your teeth and be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. It is also important to get at the back bottom of your teeth, near the gum line, and the back of your teeth. These are the most likely places for plaque to form.
In addition to brushing your teeth, you should also floss at least once a day. This will help remove any plaque that has built up between your teeth. Be sure to use gentle motions when flossing and be careful not to damage your gums. Your flossing should be done in a C-motion, and gently hug your tooth below the gumline.
Seeing a Dentist Regularly
Another important way to prevent gum bleeding is to see your dentist regularly. Your dentist can help clean your teeth, remove any plaque or tartar that has built up, and look for any early signs of gum disease.
It is recommended that you see your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning. If you have any risk factors for gum disease, such as smoking or diabetes, you may need to see your dentist more often. The quicker a dentist catches something like this, the better it is for you.
In addition to professional cleanings, your dentist can also give you tips on how to brush and floss properly to prevent gum disease.
Treatment By Dentists
If your gum bleeding is severe or does not improve with at-home care, you may need to see a dentist for treatment. They will be able to determine the cause of your gum bleeding and recommend the best course of treatment.
Treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis usually requires the removal of tartar, as well as any fillings or crowns that stick out. This is done because it’s harder to remove plaque from behind these edges.
If periodontitis has developed, the plaque and tartar are removed, including anything that is found below the gum line. This is known as scaling and root planing, or “deep cleaning.” If this treatment doesn’t help enough, dentists sometimes recommend surgery to clean the surface of the root of the tooth.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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