If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, you may not give it much mind. However, this might be an indication of a more severe problem. The key to successful treatment is a precise diagnosis.
Causes of bleeding gums include vigorous brushing, injury, pregnancy, and inflammation.
Periodontal illnesses including gingivitis and periodontitis cause gum inflammation, which may seem like redness, swelling, and discomfort. Such diseases might result from insufficient plaque removal.
Possible Causes of Gum Bleeding
Bleeding gums can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some potential reasons why you may be experiencing this issue.
#1. False Fitting Dentures
They allow you to eat anything you want and put a smile back on your face. Dentures may be a lifesaver, but if they aren’t the right fit, they can irritate your gums and make it difficult to talk and eat. Some people get relief from gum pain and swelling by using warm compresses and a saltwater rinse. If your dentures need adjusting, please contact a dental clinic in Dubai as soon as possible.
#2. Too Much Bristle on Toothbrush
Too-firm bristles might irritate the gums. Try brushing more gently or with less pressure if you see bleeding gums. If you want to keep your gums and teeth healthy, brush gently in a back-and-forth motion with a soft or extra-soft toothbrush.
#3. Periodontal Disease
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is characterized by gums that bleed readily after brushing. Plaque is the sticky coating that forms on teeth due to normal microorganisms in the mouth. It may cause gum inflammation, redness, and bleeding if not removed adequately by brushing.
#4. Smoking
Tobacco use doubles the risk of developing gum disease. Because the chemicals in cigarettes weaken the immune system, tobacco users are more likely to get gum disease. It will take longer for your gums to heal if you smoke after suffering an injury to them. The longer and more often you smoke cigarettes, the more damage you do to your gums.
#5. Diabetes
It may be more challenging for patients with this illness to eliminate the bacteria that causes dental plaque. Signs of diabetes-related gum disease include bleeding gums, especially after brushing or flossing.
#6. Not Cleaning Your Teeth Properly
Maintaining a clean mouth is essential for preventing gum disease and ending the bleeding. Listen to the advice of your dentist. After each meal and before bed, brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Antibacterial mouthwash might be helpful as well. Having your teeth checked twice a year may help discover gum disease early and save your natural teeth from falling out.
#7. Flossing Routine Has Evolved
Did you stop flossing for a while and then start up again recently? It’s normal for some bleeding to occur as your gums adapt. Don’t stop doing what’s good just because there was blood involved. Your gums should feel much improved in about a week. Flossing helps prevent gum disease and bleeding by eliminating plaque.
If you check out this dentist in Stockton CA, they will tell you that you can also use interdental brushes to clean the gaps between your teeth.
#8. Relying on Specific Drugs
Blood thinners like Warfarin (Coumadin) and Plavix may cause gum bleeding. Medications used to treat epilepsy, high blood pressure, and immunosuppression may all cause an overgrowth of gum tissue. Due to the increased sensitivity of growing gum tissue, brushing may result in minor bleeding. Medications that cause dry mouth, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and hypertension meds, may aggravate gum disease.
#9. Leukemia
Cancer of the bone marrow attacks the soft tissue within the bones that makes new blood cells. This disorder is characterized by an increase in abnormal white blood cells and a decrease in healthy white blood cells, healthy red blood cells, and healthy platelets. Gum bleeding that does not stop may be a sign of platelet deficiency. Chemotherapy drugs used to treat leukemia might cause side effects such as low platelet counts and bleeding gums.
#10. Pregnancy
It’s not only the belly that grows during pregnancy. Gums enlarge, get redder, and bleed more easily because of the increased blood flow that occurs with hormonal changes. Gingivitis during pregnancy develops when bacteria in plaque find a favorable environment in the gums. Maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice daily, especially during pregnancy, is essential. You and your growing kid both benefit from avoiding sugary foods and tobacco products.
#11. Blood Clotting Disorder
When you cut yourself, a special kind of blood cells called platelets rush to the scene to stop the bleeding by forming a plug over the wound. People with bleeding problems, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, struggle to form clots. Bleeding gums might be a sign of a condition that prevents blood from clotting properly. Doing so may need the use of clotting factor replacement treatment in order to staunch the bleeding.
Ways To Stop Gums from Bleeding
Seek immediate medical assistance if you see any bleeding from your gums. The following steps may help stop bleeding gums:
- Keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing them twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. When brushing, go gently and in small circles. Don’t forget to clean your tongue and gums as well.
- Use dental floss or an interdental cleaner regularly to clean the space between your teeth and the gums. This helps eliminate the debris and plaque that might be causing the gums to bleed.
- After you’ve cleaned your teeth with a toothbrush and floss, rinse them out with a solution of one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water. This could help reduce inflammation and speed up the recovery process.
- If you brush too harshly, you might hurt your gums and have bleeding gums. Use a gentler approach and a toothbrush with softer bristles to prevent damage to your teeth and gums.
- Avoid bad breath by using an antimicrobial mouthwash in order to reduce plaque and germs that lead to gum bleeding, your dentist may recommend an antibacterial mouthwash.
It’s time to make an appointment with a dental clinic in Dubai if your bleeding gums won’t stop or appear to be getting worse. They will check out your mouth for any issues and treat you for them.