Why Your Gums Are Bleeding And 5 Tools That Help

Bleeding gums might be a fairly common issue, but few people are happy to see red when brushing or flossing. If your gums are swollen, sensitive, and bleeding during your daily oral hygiene, you likely want to ensure that the unwelcome view in the sink doesn’t entail potential health consequences. 

Here we’ll share some common reasons your gums could be bleeding, as well as a checklist to get free of the issue.

Why Gums Start Bleeding ?

Gums can begin to bleed for a number of reasons. Generally, gums will bleed because they are inflamed or irritated from some cause. While the cause could be brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles, it also could be plaque that has sneaked its way under the gum line.

Another common cause of bleeding gums is dry mouth. This can be caused by medications, smoking, dehydration, or certain medical conditions.

Notably, bleeding gums are also a sign of early gum disease. Gum disease can progress to periodontal disease, for which the serious consequences can include tooth loss. Advanced periodontal disease is even related to heart disease and stroke, due to the reduced oxygen to flow and increased chance of clots.

What You Can Do About Bleeding Gums

If you think your bleeding gums are related to gingivitis, there’s no need to despair. Boosting your healthy habits can reduce the amount of red you see each day. Plus, it’s highly recommended to see a qualified dentist who can provide ongoing care and ensure you are properly keeping gum disease at bay.

1. Boost your diet: We all know that sugary sodas or candy are not doing your teeth and mouth any favors, but including certain foods can reduce your likelihood of persistent bleeding. Anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon, nuts, and greens, along with vitamin C-rich foods like bell peppers, kiwis, or berries can help.
2. Time your brushing: If you’re positive that you’re brushing for the full two minutes twice daily, great! If you suspect you sometimes rush things, however, it’s time to slow down. You can even consider timing your brushing just to make sure you’re giving your gums all the cleaning and stimulation they need. On that note, be sure to choose a soft-bristled toothbrush that’s gum friendly.
3. Floss wisely: We know it can be annoying, but daily flossing is your friend, and it’s important to be thorough. Unfortunately, if you don’t floss consistently, you could be missing over a third of the plaque between your teeth. With that said, don’t just haphazardly jam the floss in between each tooth. Scrape against each adjacent tooth to remove all lurking plaque, and unroll a bit of fresh floss after every couple of teeth.
4. Water floss: Let’s get this out of the way: sadly, water flossing devices do not replace traditional flossing. However, this type of tool can go a long way to improving your gum health. Water flossing is a technique that uses a jet of water to remove plaque and other particles from between the teeth and below the gums. It’s highly effective for people with braces or dental work, and also works well for those who are unable to brush due to certain health conditions. But as with normal brushing and flossing, consistency is key!
5. High-quality dental care: Your dentist will work with you to help you treat your bleeding gums. More importantly, they’ll help keep your gum disease or gingivitis from returning.

Remember that if you are not used to doing the above activities, your gum sensitivity may not improve right away. In fact, your gums may continue to bleed and feel sensitive until you establish a habit of thoroughly cleaning them on a regular basis. However, with some time, patience, and the assistance of a great dentist, many people succeed in treating their bleeding gums.

Options at the dentist’s office

If you have already had gum disease for a while, your dentist may recommend treatment that includes scaling and root planing. Scaling is when your dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar from teeth using a manual or electric tool called a scaler. Root planing is done afterward and entails removing any additional plaque or tartar that was not removed during scaling.

Scaling and root planing in Philadelphia can be an ideal way to get your mouth the deep cleaning it needs after gum disease has begun to take its toll. After scaling and root planing, it’s the perfect time to start a renewed regimen of regular, thorough dental hygiene at home.

Conclusion

You don’t have to take on healing gingivitis and gum disease alone. Come to Miracle Dental Center and let our team of Feasterville dentists, hygienists and assistants take care of all your dental needs under one roof. We can help you reverse your gum disease and prevent it from returning and worsening. 

Give us a call now to schedule your appointment and start being proactive about your dental and total body health!