It is possible that bleeding gums mean many different things. When you are able to identify the underlying cause, you will be able to take the best steps to resolve the bleeding gums. When you are experiencing bleeding gums, it can be extremely beneficial to visit our office to restore your oral health. Here are some of the things that it is possible your bleeding gums mean.
Brushing too Hard
When you brush much too hard, it causes damage to the teeth. It is a common belief that brushing harder results in cleaner teeth. This isn’t the case. Brushing your teeth should feel more like a massage than particularly painful. When you brush too hard, you can cause your gums to bleed. Pay attention to the condition of your toothbrush to determine when you are brushing too hard. Using too much pressure can cause the bristles to become bent or frayed.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis tends to be the first stage of gum disease. It occurs when bacteria and plaque are allowed to accumulate on the surface of your teeth and beneath your gum lines. This tends to result in both swelling and infections in the gums. In many situations, using the ideal oral hygiene processes can help to reverse your gingivitis. However, it may still be incredibly important to visit your dentist when you suspect that you have gingivitis.
Medications
Certain medications, like ibuprofen, thin the blood. This often causes easier bleeding. If you notice that your gums have begun to bleed shortly after taking a new medication, it is possible that the gum bleeding is caused by your medication. Consult with both your doctor and dentist to determine if this is the issue and decide if modifications need to be made.
Flossing
It is extremely important to floss on a regular basis to prevent gum disease and protect your oral health. Gum bleeding is incredibly common when you begin a new flossing routine or have missed a few days of flossing. This often discourages people to continue flossing, which allows the problem to escalate. Keep in mind that this bleeding will often stop in a few days, when your gums become used to the flossing.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy tends to result in many changes to the body, including hormonal changes. These hormonal changes often impact oral health, which means that pregnant women tend to be much more susceptible to the development of gingivitis, which can lead to bleeding gums.
Ill-Fitting Dentures
If you wear dentures, it is incredibly important to ensure that they fit properly. When dentures don’t quite fit, they will often move around inside the mouth. This causes the dentures to rub against the gums, which can lead to bleeding.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of gum disease. Also called periodontal disease, this disease escalates from the initial stage of gingivitis. This disease tends to be more long-term and difficult to treat than gingivitis. Periodontitis leads to damage to the tissue and bones within the mouth. When periodontitis isn’t treated appropriately, it will lead to tooth loss and many additional oral health problems.
Diabetes
Diabetes tends to result in a lowered immune function, which increases the likelihood of infections. Due to this, bleeding gums may be an early indication of diabetes. This is just one of the reasons that it is extremely important to consult with a healthcare professional when you are experiencing bleeding gums.
Deficient in Vitamin C or Vitamin K
Vitamin deficiencies can make gums more susceptible to bleeding. If you aren’t consuming enough vitamin C or vitamin K, you may find that your gums begin to bleed more regularly. Increasing the amount of these vitamins that you consume can help to minimize the likelihood of oral health issues and gums that bleed.
Risk Factors for Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be caused by many different things, but there are many risk factors that increase the possibility of developing gum disease. Various medications can impact oral health and make it more likely that you will experience bleeding gums. Bleeding gums can also be caused by genetics, smoking, excessive stress, and aging.
How to Clear Up Bleeding Gums
The ideal steps for resolving your bleeding gums will ultimately depend on the underlying cause of the bleeding gums. No matter what the cause, it is often a great idea to follow an effective and consistent oral hygiene routine to protect your oral health. You also need to visit your dentist for assistance in determining the cause of your oral health and guidance in resolving the problem.
Prevention
Preventative measures tend to be the best solution for oral health problems. It is crucial to follow a good oral hygiene routine in order to protect your teeth and prevent gum disease from arising. You can also rinse with salt water on a daily basis to minimize inflammation and help flush out harmful particles. When you take care to limit your snacking between meals, you will be able to minimize the possibility of damage to the teeth. You shouldn’t press too hard on your teeth while you are brushing and only use a soft-bristled toothbrush to protect the health of your smile. Quit chewing tobacco or smoking, as either of these habits can cause damage to the teeth. It can also be beneficial to avoid regularly consuming excessively sugary drinks or foods.
At Hendersonville Family Dental, we strive to protect your oral health. There are many things that bleeding gums mean. Understanding these various things will help you to take the best steps to prevent them from occurring. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, you should schedule a visit with us to identify the underlying problem. This can help to prevent gum disease and restore your oral health. It is also important to ensure that you are effectively caring for your teeth. To learn more about what bleeding gums mean and how to resolve these issues, contact our experienced team at Hendersonville Family Dental today!