If you have bleeding gums, it may mean that you are suffering from a condition that could be mild or severe. However, your bleeding gums should not be ignored. We encourage you to come into our office as soon as possible if your gums tend to bleed when you eat, brush your teeth, or simply chew gum. Some of the things that can cause bleeding gums include:
• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and it develops when the plaque on your teeth are not removed for a long period of time. As the days go by, the plaque continues to grow, and it eventually irritates your gums, making them swell and bleed. This is a dangerous condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible. The best way to prevent this disease as well as treat it is by attending your dental cleaning appointments.
• Flossing: If you don’t floss very often, flossing could make your gums bleed. This is because your gums aren’t used to the small string working against them. And generally, your gums are very sensitive if you do not floss regularly, so it’s common to bleed when you floss. The only way to fix this is to floss more on a regular basis.
• Brushing: Sometimes brushing forcefully with a hard toothbrush can cause bleeding gums. If you are experiencing this occurrence, try to be softer as you brush and gentler around the gumline. This will help stop the bleeding.
• Using tobacco products: Tobacco products are extremely harmful to your gums. When you smoke, your chances for developing gum disease increase and you are more likely to experience oral sores. The best way to treat and prevent these problems is to quit smoking and stop using tobacco products. If you need help kicking the habit, we are more than happy to help you.
Additional causes include hormones, chemotherapy, and canker sores, and no matter the reasons for your bleeding gums, it’s important that you come into our office and visit with our dentist. Doing so will help you take steps closer to stronger and healthier gums. We look forward to helping you!