When you notice blood while brushing or flossing your teeth, you might feel concerned. The good news is that infrequent bleeding gums are typically normal and harmless. However, if you notice that your gums bleed nearly every time you brush or floss them, you might have gum disease.
The best way to know if your bleeding gums are a sign of a specific condition is to seek treatment from a professional. In the meantime, you can read more below to learn what bleeding gums mean.
In some cases, bleeding gums can be normal — maybe you brushed too hard or nicked your gums while flossing. Similarly, neglecting your oral hygiene, like forgetting to brush twice a day, can lead to bleeding gums. In other instances, bleeding gums allude to a more serious condition that requires treatment from a dentist or another oral health professional.
What do bleeding gums mean? Below are the most common causes of gum bleeding:
If you have bleeding gums, make sure you see your dentist for medical advice. As you wait for your appointment, you can try the following ways to alleviate your bleeding gums at home:
If you’ve fallen into a routine of not brushing your teeth, do your best to be consistent again. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently brush in a circular motion. Do so twice a day — once at morning and once at night — to help keep your gums healthy and clean.
Strengthen the gum tissue around your teeth with toothpaste formulated to prevent gum disease. A detoxifying toothpaste for treating gingivitis can neutralize plaque and protect your gums from infection. If your gums are sensitive, you can use toothpaste made for sensitivity and treating gum disease.
Using floss is important for your dental hygiene because it removes food particles between your teeth. Excess food particles can sit on the teeth for months and eventually form plaque. To prevent that, flossing removes the particles that seep below the gum line and cause bleeding.
Try using additional products to improve your routine or combine products for more effective treatment. These items can supplement your current dental hygiene routine:
Can you prevent bleeding gums? Below are some methods you can use to ensure your mouth stays healthy:
One of the most important things you can do for your oral health is to see your dentist for regular exams and cleanings. Do your best to schedule a dentist appointment twice a year to prioritize your oral hygiene. These visits allow your dentist to properly clean your teeth and catch any issues that might be occurring.
See your doctor outside of your general cleanings if you have urgent symptoms, like noticing bleeding gums every time you brush or floss your teeth.
If you use tobacco, you should be careful with your consumption — tobacco has many negative effects on the teeth and gums. Specifically, smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products can increase your risk of developing gum disease. If your gums are sensitive and bleeding and you use tobacco, try to quit or use tobacco in smaller increments.
Unfortunately, stress can have consequences on your oral health. If you experience frequent stress, consider adding healthy stress-relieving activities like meditation to your routine. Lowering your stress levels with a few routine changes will also help you feel more open to improving your dental hygiene routine.
Because teeth require vitamins and minerals to stay strong, you’re more susceptible to oral health problems when you eat a poor diet. Eating consistent nutritious meals throughout the day will help improve your overall health, including your oral health. Here are a few ways you can improve your diet for healthier gums:
Replace your toothbrush at least every three months. If you keep the same toothbrush for longer than that, bacteria will build up on the surface of the bristles. The bristles of a toothbrush also become less effective the more you use it.
Some health conditions can increase your susceptibility to bleeding gums. This is why it’s important to know if you have a related health issue. With a diagnosis and a treatment plan, you can control your health and prevent complications.
Make a long-term goal of practicing good oral hygiene for your gum health. If you struggle with bleeding gums, one of the best actions you can take is reevaluating how often you brush and floss. Additionally, you need access to the proper care tools, like a toothbrush and dental floss. If you have questions about proper oral hygiene, don’t hesitate to speak with your dentist for guidance.
Generally, bleeding every time you floss is a bad sign. If you fix the gaps in your oral hygiene, such as flossing properly, and you still notice bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with your dentist. Although bleeding gums could be a sign of gum disease in its early stages, it might be an indication of a more serious issue.
If you notice the following symptoms, contact your dentist:
Note that neglecting to treat bleeding gums and the issues that cause them can lead to health complications, some of which are irreversible. Therefore, you must contact your dentist as soon as you notice frequent bleeding gums. A few complications of bleeding gums include:
If you have bleeding gums and want to visit a dentist, the dedicated team at AZ Family Dental is ready to help. Our professional staff will work with you to identify the underlying cause of your bleeding gums, providing the appropriate treatment measures to get your oral health back on track. Additionally, we offer preventive care services to help you avoid gum problems.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today!