When you floss or brush your teeth, do you notice your gums bleed? Bleeding gums can be a result of various factors, ranging from poor brushing and flossing techniques to oral health diseases such as gum disease. Bleeding gums is not a serious oral health problem, but it can depend on how worse the situation is beneath the gums. Below is a list of the potential causes of bleeding gums:
- Gingivitis – Plaque buildup at the gum line is the most common cause of bleeding gums. If disregarded and left untreated, this condition progresses to gingivitis, or inflamed gums, in which the gums swell, become tender, and bleed when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can lead to more serious gum disease. Gum disease is one of the common causes of tooth loss among adults.
- Brushing too vigorously – Brushing your teeth too harshly does not improve the cleanliness of your teeth; instead, it puts you at risk for gum recession, enamel loss, and bleeding gums. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and adjust your brushing technique to avoid the consequences, as mentioned earlier.
- Dentures that don’t fit properly – Dentures that don’t fit right can cause gum bleeding and sores if they scratch your gums. People who do not remove their dentures at night are more likely to experience bleeding gums. Furthermore, if you wear dentures, brushing your teeth and cleaning your dentures is important to avoid plaque buildup in your dentures and natural tooth and avoid bleeding gums.
- Pregnancy – Swollen, red, tender gums that bleed when brushing or flossing can result from pregnancy; this occurs due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, which alter the body’s response to bacteria that cause gum disease. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily will help keep your gums and teeth healthy during the whole period of pregnancy.
- Unhealthy eating habits – Some ingredients in processed foods can irritate and bleed your gums. Avoid processed and sugary foods in favour of a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, calcium, vitamin A, K, and C, and magnesium-rich foods.
- Health problems – People who experience certain health issues can also affect their gum health. It is best to visit a dentist to help with possible gum medications.
- Medications that thin the blood – Blood-thinning medications reduce blood’s ability to clot, making it easier to bleed. When it comes to dental procedures that result in bleeding, this can be a problem (deep cleaning, extractions, and dental implant placement). As a result, you should always inform your dentist in Calgary if you take blood thinners at every dental appointment.
Caring for your gums is important, just as how you care for your teeth. Let us help you care for your oral health. Visit your Calgary dentist at London Square Dental by calling us at 403-291-4945 to book an appointment. We would be happy to accommodate you!
