While preventing cavities is critical, maintaining healthy gums is just as essential. Your gums are not only important for the health of your teeth, but they also impact your entire body. Gum bleeding that is mild and infrequent does not always indicate an issue, but red, swollen gums that bleed on a regular basis or severely are generally a symptom of something amiss. Gum disease, a prescription you’re taking, or the result of brushing too hard may all be causes.
Poor Oral Hygiene
When you have bleeding gums for a variety of causes, it’s usually due to suboptimal dental hygiene. Even brief periods of inattentiveness may cause significant damage to your mouth. Consider that your commitment to daily oral care is usually measured by how devoted you are to doing it properly. Brush twice a day, using fluoridated toothpaste for at least two minutes each session, and floss once a day.
Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. Gum irritation may cause redness, swelling, and discomfort. When you brush or floss, it might result in bleeding. Plaque accumulates along and beneath the gum line in people with gingivitis. This plaque is a paste that hardens into tartar and can only be removed by a specialist. Plaque is a breeding ground for germs that irritate the gums, causing bleeding, sensitivity, and other symptoms. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed. The bad news is that if left alone, it may quickly develop into periodontitis, which is far more difficult to cure. Brushing and flossing on a regular basis, as well as frequent dental checkups, are the keys to avoiding gum disease.
Pregnancy Gingivitis
Pregnant women are more vulnerable to gingivitis and the bleeding, pain, and other symptoms that may accompany it. The reason for this is higher hormone levels, which promote blood flow to the gums. Increased blood flow promotes the growth of bacteria in the gums, making them more susceptible to infection. Bleeding and painful gums are common during pregnancy because this increased blood flow causes the gums to become more vulnerable to germs.
Medications
Your doctor may have given you a medication that thinned your blood. Because your blood was reduced, it couldn’t clot as easily, thus making you much more susceptible to gumline bleeding. Discuss any new medicines you’ve been given during your usual checkups. If the medications are to blame for your gum problems, your dentist may be able to reduce or stop the bleeding by changing your oral care regimen.
Flossing
It’s possible that some bleeding while flossing is normal for you. If you begin to bleed while flossing for the first time but haven’t before, consider whether you’ve changed product brands or routines. When you don’t floss for days, some light bleeding may occur when you floss again. It’s better to floss every day, and it’s not necessary to do so multiple times a day.
Bristle Hardness
According to the American Dental Association, a soft-bristled toothbrush is ideal for the majority of individuals. Every person is unique, and one might require a firmer bristle or an even softer bristle. If you change your toothbrush and suddenly start bleeding along the gum line, that is the likely culprit. Ideally, you should find a toothbrush that suits you and use it on a regular basis.
Diet
Gums require vitamin C in order to thrive. Make sure you get enough of it. Fresh foods and veggies are great sources of vitamin C, which is essential for gum health. Reduce your intake of starches and sugars, as well as processed meals. Some processed foods might irritate the gums and induce them to bleed, despite being difficult to detect.
Stress
Stress is a part of life, and it isn’t just psychological. Stress depletes the immune system and makes you less resistant to sickness, including gum disease. This can also irritate blood vessels, which might impede the healing of your gums. It is critical to make a concerted effort to reduce your stress levels.
Malocclusion
Misaligned teeth may cause teeth grinding and excessive pressure when biting down, which is known as malocclusion. Forces such as gravity and chewing pressure alter the shape of your teeth, the supporting bone, and tissue, as well. Gum recession and bone deterioration are possible over time as a result of this.
Smoking or Vaping
Smoking and vaping harm your gums, making you more likely to develop gum disease. A vicious cycle starts when your gums bleed and other signs of the illness appear. If you don’t floss, food particles may get caught beneath your gum line and between your teeth, allowing potentially harmful germs to enter your circulation. The only way to avoid the development of these types is to quit doing everything completely.
Be Proactive About Frequent or Serious Gum Bleeding
If you have minor gum bleeding from time to time, talk with your dentist about it during your next normal checkup. Regular checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. If your gums are bleeding on a regular basis or you’ve had an amount of bleeding that has caused you to be concerned about your health, do not put off making an appointment.
Your dentist can examine your gum health. Your dental practitioner can discuss with you about your oral hygiene practice and any changes in your life that may be affecting your gums. Your dentist will be able to prescribe treatment once he or she has pinpointed the issue. If you ignore an issue like gingivitis until your next scheduled appointment, it might get worse in the meantime and cause you a lot of pain.
Prevent Gum Bleeding
Minor bleeding is common, but gums that bleed frequently or severely indicate a significant health concern. You should get an appointment with a dentist right away.
