Bleeding gums can be a sign of problems with your oral hygiene. Due to this, it’s a problem that you shouldn’t ignore. In this blog, we will discuss why gums bleed when you brush your teeth and some ways that you can stop this from happening.
Why do Gums Bleed?
Gums play a major role in your health and well-being, and there are a number of reasons why your gums may bleed when you brush.
Brushing Technique
When you brush your teeth, you should ensure that you’re brushing the area around your gums to ensure plaque isn’t building up. If you fail to brush this area regularly and plaque builds up, the germs that plaque contains will attack the tissue that surrounds the teeth, causing the gum line to become infected or irritated.
Alternatively, you may be brushing your teeth too aggressively. Gum tissue is delicate, so if you apply too much pressure with a hard toothbrush, you may damage this tissue, causing it to bleed. You should also be gentle with the pressure you apply when you floss.
When brushing, use a gentle and circular motion to clean your gums. Don’t use a back and forth motion and do not apply too much pressure.
Gum Disease
If your gums are swollen or bleeding, then this may be a sign of Gingivitis or a more serious form of gum disease known as Periodontal Disease.
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease, which causes gums to become red or swollen and bleed. Periodontal Disease is far more serious, as it is an infection of the gum and bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. This can cause the gum to pull away from the teeth. At this point, bone loss occurs, causing the tooth to become loose, which can ultimately lead to tooth extraction.
The good news is that gum disease is entirely preventable. If you brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and visit your dentist every six months, then you should be able to prevent any problems. If you have early stage Gingivitis, then the disease can be treated and completely reversed.
What Should I Do if I Have Bleeding Gums?
Firstly, you should evaluate your oral care routine. Examine your gum line to look for signs of plaque, which can harden into tartar over time. If you spot signs of plaque, then you should look to change your routine and brushing technique, ensuring that you’re brushing evenly, including hard to reach areas.
You should also check your brushing tools, such as your floss and toothbrush. If you’re currently using a toothbrush with firm bristles, then it may be a good idea to swap this for one with softer bristles to prevent irritation.
Likewise, you should re-evaluate the way you floss to ensure that you’re using the correct technique. You should have a gentle hand and you should not floss too hard against your teeth and gum line, as this will also cause irritation.
You can also look at your diet. If you’re currently consuming a lot of sugary food and drinks, then it may be best to swap these for a low-sugar alternative. This is because sugar can stick to teeth and gums, creating a perfect environment for plaque to form.
If you have bleeding gums, then you should never ignore them. So, if changing your oral hygiene routine and changing your toothbrush doesn’t stop the problem, you should make an appointment with your dentist.
Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and gums for signs of a more serious problem. If the problem is serious, then your dentist may also take an x-ray or refer you to a specialist.
Your bleeding gums may not currently be a serious problem, but professional treatment may be necessary to reverse gum disease or prevent it. If you have bleeding gums and require some advice, then please call us on 07 3300 1277 to arrange an appointment.