When Should I Be Concerned with Bleeding Gums?
You detect what appears to be blood in your sink after brushing your teeth and question the origin. The source, bleeding gums, is a common aliment for a number of reasons. Many adults will encounter bleeding gums at least once during their lifetime.
Although a suggestion of blood does not seem like something to be concerned with, if the bleeding continues then it is a warning of a more serious oral problem, and you should schedule an examination with your dentist.
Some Common Causes for Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be the result of something quite simple. Some of the most common reasons that your gums are bleeding could be:
- Improper brushing technique- Many people are guilty of brushing their teeth too aggressively, believing that more is better. Your gum tissue is extremely sensitive and brushing them too hard will irritate the soft tissue and result in bleeding. Moving the toothbrush in a circular motion, for two minutes each time, is strongly suggested to avoid bleeding gums, gum damage, and gum recession.
- Using the wrong toothbrush- People will also choose toothbrushes with stiff or hard bristles thinking that it will improve the cleaning ability. Again, this aggressive approach will damage the enamel on your teeth and also irritate the gums. It is advised to use soft or medium bristles.
- Incorrect flossing technique- The practice of daily flossing takes patience. By rushing and using the wrong technique you can cut the gums and cause recession and bleeding. You need to floss gently, following the curve of each tooth.
- Gum disease- Gum disease is the leading cause of bleeding gums. It is a progressive infection that requires professional treatment from your dentist to abate it from advancing. Over half of American adults over the age of thirty currently have some level of gum disease. The symptoms are very mild in the initial stages, making it easy to often overlook the problem until the disease progresses and has created more damage. In the initial first stage, it is called gingivitis and the symptoms are bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums.
When left untreated the disease progresses into a condition called periodontitis which can easily result in serious problems that will affect your dental and overall health. This can include tooth loss, jawbone damage, abscesses, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
When Should You Make an Appointment to See Your Dentist?
- If you observe some blood when you brush your teeth several times over two weeks, then you need to schedule an examination with your dentist. This is also the case if you have swollen gums, bad breath, or a lingering foul taste in your mouth.
- Your dentist will give your mouth, teeth and gums, a thorough examination to check their health. If there is any evidence of gum disease, they will perform a simple, professional teeth cleaning which will remove any bacteria carrying plaque buildup from your teeth.
- If the gum disease has progressed into another stage, it is very possible you will need further dental treatment to stop the progression.
- If your gums are bleeding during brushing or flossing, swollen or a deeper red color, or if you have any other unsettled concerns about gum disease, just schedule an evaluation with your dentist. Get a professional cleaning done and develop and practice a proper daily oral hygiene program at home moving forward.