The health of your gums is an integral part of your overall health because it can impact your teeth and your body. It is important to take notice of any changes that happen with your gums or problems that arise. A common issue with gums is bleeding while brushing or flossing. The cause for the bleeding might be benign but it could also point to the presence of a more serious issue.
What causes bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums can be caused by a couple of different things. Brushing too hard or with the wrong type of tooth brush can harm your gums and cause them to bleed. Flossing too vigorously can also lead to bleeding gums. If either of these is the root of your bleeding gums then you can fix the problem by switching toothbrushes and/or flossing more carefully. Bleeding gums can also be a symptom of gum inflammation like gingivitis or gum disease like periodontitis. Both of these conditions can make your gums swell and be more sensitive to tasks such as brushing and flossing. If you have either of these issues you will likely notice bleeding when you brush or floss.
What should I do if my gums bleed?
Bleeding gums are an indication that there is some type of problem. If your gums bleed when you floss then your first instinct may be to stop doing the thing that causes the bleeding. That is a mistake! If the bleeding is occurring because of gingivitis then slacking off on your dental hygiene routine could lead to more serious problems. Gingivitis is often caused by poor oral hygiene practices that allow the buildup of tartar and the development of infection. Your gums become inflamed and much more sensitive which can result in bleeding. Backing off on your oral hygiene tasks will actually lead to your gingivitis getting worse. If your gums bleed and you suspect gingivitis, continue on with a good oral hygiene routine (flossing included) and schedule an appointment with your dentist. If your gingivitis is related to tartar then you will need to get it scraped off at the dentist to keep it from causing more problems. Your dentist will also look at your gums to ensure that your gingivitis has not progressed to periodontitis. If you have developed a more serious form of gum disease then you may have to meet with a dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease.
Bleeding gums is not a reason to stop flossing your teeth. In fact, bleeding gums may be an indication that you need to do a better job of flossing and caring for your mouth in general. If you notice bleeding, continue on with good oral hygiene practices and set up an appointment with your dentist. Your dentist will be able to determine the root cause of the bleeding and come up with a plan to get your teeth and gums back to optimal health.
