When Should I Be Concerned with Bleeding Gums?
You notice what seems to be blood in your sink after brushing your teeth and wonder what the origin is. The common source, bleeding gums, is a frequent issue for a number of reasons. Many adults will have bleeding gums at least once during their lifetime.
Although a hint of blood does not seem like something to be worried about, if the bleeding persists then it is a warning of an oral problem, and you should schedule an examination with your dentist.
Some Common Causes for Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be the result of something remarkably simple. Some common reasons that your gums are bleeding may be:
* Improper brushing method- A lot of people are guilty of brushing too aggressively, believing that more is better. Your gum tissue is sensitive and brushing too hard will irritate the soft tissue causing bleeding. Simply moving your toothbrush in a circular motion, for two minutes each time, is strongly recommended to avoid bleeding gums, damage, and gum recession.
* Using the wrong toothbrush- Toothbrushes with stiff or hard bristles will not improve the cleaning ability. Again, this aggressive method will damage the enamel on your teeth and irritate the gums. It is advised to use soft or medium bristles.
* Incorrect flossing technique- Daily flossing takes patience. By rushing and using the wrong technique you cut the gums and cause both recession and bleeding. You need to floss gently and follow the curve of each tooth.
* Gum disease- Gum disease is the primary cause of bleeding gums. It is a progressive infection that requires treatment from your dentist to stop it from advancing. Many American adults over the age of thirty have had some level of gum disease. The symptoms are mild in the initial stages, making it easy to overlook the problem until the disease progresses creating more damage. In the initial first stage, it is called gingivitis, and the symptoms are bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums.
If left untreated the disease progresses into a stage called periodontitis, which can result in serious problems that will affect your dental and overall health. This includes tooth loss, abscesses, diabetes, jawbone damage, and cardiovascular disease.
When Should You Make an Appointment to See Your Dentist?
If you notice some blood while brushing your teeth several times over two weeks, then you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist. This also includes swollen gums, bad breath, or a lingering foul taste in your mouth.
Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination. If there is evidence of gum disease, they will perform a simple, professional teeth cleaning which removes any bacteria carrying plaque buildup from your teeth.
If the gum disease has advanced into another stage, it is possible you will need further dental treatment to stop the progression.
If your gums are bleeding during normal brushing or flossing, swollen or becoming a red color, or if you have any other concerns about gum disease, simply schedule an evaluation with your dentist. Get a professional teeth cleaning done and develop a proper daily oral hygiene program at home to practice.