Reasons Why Your Gums Bleed When You Brush Your Teeth

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Reasons Why Your Gums Bleed When Brushing
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Seeing a pink toothbrush or blood in the sink
during your oral hygiene routine is upsetting.
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Bleeding gums are never normal, but most cases
are easily treated with good dental care.
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These are the main things that we look for when
you tell us that your gums bleed when brushing
your teeth.
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Plaque Build-Up
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This is the most common cause of bleeding gums.
Plaque is a sticky substance that is filled
with different kinds of bacteria.
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This bacteria can cause your gums to get
inflamed. Regular toothbrushing helps to remove
it.
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Professional teeth cleanings help eliminate the
plaque below your gum line that your toothbrush
cant reach.
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Gum Disease
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Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease.
In this stage, you may see gum swelling and
bleeding.
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Periodontitis is a more severe gum infection.
The bleeding may happen more often if you reach
the advanced stages of gum disease.
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Gum disease treatment is carefully planned to
address the severity of the problem. We treat
minor cases with special teeth cleanings and
medications.
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Severe cases of gum disease may require surgery
to reduce the pockets near your teeth that trap
bacteria.
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Brushing Too Hard
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Many people grow up thinking that brushing harder
is better, but aggressive toothbrushing is
damaging to your teeth and gums.
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Think of your gums as being more delicate than
your skin and choose a toothbrush with soft
bristles.
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We can also show you how to use the perfect
amount of pressure to remove plaque without
causing irritation.
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Adding Flossing to Your Routine
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We always love to hear that a patient is working
hard to improve their oral health. Flossing
will prevent the problems that cause gums to
bleed.
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Starting flossing after skipping it for a long
time can sometimes cause temporary bleeding.
Usually, this will clear up on its own if you
continue to floss every day.
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Let us know if it continues for longer than a few
days. We can make sure that there is not
something else causing your gums to continue
bleeding.
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Smoking
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Gums need proper blood flow to stay healthy.
Smoking reduces blood flow in your gums.
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Nicotine and other toxins can also lower your
immune system and make it harder for your body
to fight off bacteria in your mouth. This
increases the risk of developing gum disease.
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Heavy smoking also creates inflammation that
leads to blood on your toothbrush.
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Pregnancy
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The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy
can affect your gums.
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Pregnancy gingivitis symptoms include minor gum
swelling and bleeding. This condition usually
clears up after your baby arrives.
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In the meantime, continue with your recommended
schedule for exams and teeth cleanings.
Visiting the dentist is perfectly safe while
you are pregnant.
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Taking Certain Medications
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Some medications affect how well blood clots.
Blood thinners are mostly known for increasing
the risk of noticeable bleeding from minor wounds.
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We ask our patients to let us know about the
medications that they take. This assessment
information determines if you are at risk of
bleeding from the gums during your regular tooth
brushing routine or treatments.
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Gums can bleed for a variety of different
reasons. Some of these reasons are serious and
require prompt care from your dentist. Others may
be temporary.
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Either way, we can do a comprehensive exam to
uncover the best way to restore your gums to good
health.
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If you are seeking professional dental advice,
it's time to call Shumway Dental Care.
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Our Chandler dentists will ask you questions,
examine you, and determine exactly what needs to
be done to get you back to normal.
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