Have you ever been brushing your teeth, leaned forward to spit into the sink, and noticed a little blood mixed in with the toothpaste? Bleeding gums might be a little alarming and can be due to several factors. Sometimes, it could be as simple as a morsel of food stuck between your teeth or just below your gumline, which could cause irritation and inflammation. Often, a good oral hygiene regimen, including brushing and flossing, will be enough to keep bleeding gums at bay.
However, if you notice your gums are consistently bleeding every time you clean your teeth, it could be something more serious, like gum disease. Unfortunately, much as we might like them to, these problems don’t go away on their own. Quite the opposite: if ignored, they will only get worse and more difficult to treat down the line.
What Can Cause Gums to Bleed (and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore it)
Bleeding gums are often caused by a buildup of plaque. If you haven’t been brushing as thoroughly as you should be or have neglected flossing for a while, then plaque can build up and cause your gums to bleed. If you notice your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth, your first course of action should be to step up your oral hygiene routine.
Be sure to clean your teeth twice a day, with a soft-bristled brush or an electric one if possible, and floss daily (particularly between teeth that might be more crowded together, where food can get stuck more easily). Instilling these habits in children early is just as important, and our children’s dentist team can help young ones build a healthy oral hygiene that lasts a lifetime.
If your bleeding gums are merely caused by plaque buildup, then it’s straightforward to treat them. Be sure to mention it to your dentist on your next visit so they can give your teeth a thorough clean and clear away any plaque or tartar (hardened plaque which doesn’t go away with usual brushing). You’ll then have a sparkling set of teeth which will be easier to maintain.
However, bleeding gums can also be a sign of gum disease, which will need to be dealt with sooner rather than later. Gum disease comes in three stages: gingivitis (early-stage), periodontitis (moderate to advanced), and trench mouth (severe). Left untreated, it can ultimately lead to recession of the gums and tooth loss. If this does occur, our dental implants offer a permanent and natural-looking solution to rebuild your smile.
Bleeding gums could also be due to a vitamin deficiency or hormonal changes. Your dentist will be able to advise on what could be causing your bleeding gums and how to treat them, so it’s important to seek advice if you’re concerned.
How to Treat Bleeding Gums
These days, there are specially formulated toothpastes and mouthwashes to help treat gum disease. In most cases, a rigorous oral hygiene routine that incorporates these will be enough to keep your teeth healthy.
If your bleeding gums are caused by plaque and tartar buildup, you may be referred to a dental hygienist. These are teeth cleaning specialists, and they will give your teeth a deep clean (including under the gumline itself). This procedure might be a little uncomfortable, but it will leave your teeth looking good as new.
You can also treat bleeding gums through antibiotics or by taking certain vitamin supplements (if they’re bleeding because of a deficiency in vitamin C or K). In more severe cases, you could undergo surgery to reduce the size of the pockets around your teeth. This is known as osseous surgery.
Treating your bleeding gums will depend on what’s causing them, so that’s the first thing to try to find out. If you’re concerned about bleeding gums and are looking to get the right treatment for you, get in touch with us today.
