Having a proper cleaning routine and maintaining good oral health is crucial in avoiding unnecessary visits to the dentist. Lack of proper care will end up in potentially painful dental health issues like cavities, tooth decay, gum infections, and more. One sign of a possible dental problem is bleeding gums. Here we’ll explain why they happen and how to avoid them.
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush Them?
There are a variety of reasons as to why your gums may bleed, ranging from simple issues like brushing too hard to very dangerous health problems like bleeding being a sign of diseases like diabetes. Because of this, you should never self-diagnose and assume you have a disease or condition.
Brushing too hard or flossing improperly are common causes of bleeding gums. Remember that brushing should be treated as a massage for your teeth more than a vigorous scrub. Some dental appliances and dentures that don’t fit as they should potentially cause irritation and bleeding. Blood thinners like aspirin and heparin can also make your gums bleed. A lack of vitamins C and k can also contribute to the problem.
Gingivitis
As mentioned, gums bleeding can also be a sign of more serious health problems. According to WebMD, if you have your gums irritated and they bleed when brushing, you may have gingivitis, a type of gum disease. Gingivitis occurs when plaque accumulates on your gums undisturbed for long periods of time. The plaque will eventually harden and cause even more bleeding.
Diabetes
Gum bleeding can be a sign of diabetes as well. When you have diabetes, your body can’t heal as well, nor can it defend itself as it’s supposed to. Because of this, gum infections are more prone to happen, and the bleeding that may occur is worse.
How to Stop My Gums From Bleeding?
Most of the time, bleeding gums are a result of poor oral health, poor alimentation, or smoking. Fortunately, there are plenty of steps we can take at home to take better care of our gums and general health.
The first and most obvious tip to better your oral health regarding the list mentioned above is to stop smoking. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the number one cause of severe gum disease in the United States. Stopping this bad habit completely will allow your gums to heal.
Secondly, maintaining proper oral hygiene is incredibly important in preventing infections to your teeth and gums. Brush at least twice a day every day with a soft bristle toothbrush; the harder bristle options could be damaging to your already weakened gum. On the same note, don’t forget to floss daily, but also be careful about being too rough with it. Only use the necessary force to clean the side of your tooth and try to avoid pushing too much toward the gum line.
What Is Gum Disease?
According to the CDC, gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is “the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth”. This is caused by the accumulation of bacteria for long periods of time. The bacteria form a plaque that hardens to tartar and spreads below the gum line, making teeth harder to clean. For this reason, it is important to prevent gum disease by maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing, and flossing on a daily basis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontal disease, and it’s easily identified by swollen gums and bleeding. Your gums may experience bleeding over the years. However, if this is a regular occurrence, it is important to seek professional help to confirm if this is a potential dental problem.
Advice for Dental Health Problems During Pregnancy
Bleeding and swollen gums can also be a secondary effect of pregnancy, it’s also known as pregnancy gingivitis. During pregnancy, the hormones in a woman’s body can change how the body responds to the bacteria in her mouth. Not only are women more likely to develop gingivitis, but 40 percent of women in pregnancy develop periodontitis, a more developed type of gum disease. If not treated properly, the situation can result in tooth loss.
There are many dental issues that a woman can encounter during her pregnancy. Try to avoid any surprises by maintaining dental care during pregnancy.
Don’t Hesitate to Get Help from Your Newcastle Dental Health Experts
For more questions regarding bleeding gums, or if you think your situation may be more than just overbrushing, schedule an appointment at Maidu Dental here or call our office at (530) 450-2171.
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