What Does it Mean if My Gums Bleed When I Brush?

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What Does it Mean if My Gums Bleed When I Brush?

by | Nov 14, 2019 | Gum Disease Treatment

what does it mean if my gums bleed when i brush warner For many people, the first sign of dental problems is a bit of crimson on their toothbrush, or crimson when they spit out toothpaste after brushing.

And, at first, it may seem like a slight problem.

But, in reality, bleeding gums are often one of the first signs of dental issues that need immediate treatment.

At Warner Lakes Dental, we have seen a variety of causes for bleeding gums, some serious some not, but we strongly recommend that if your gums are bleeding when you brush, you give us a call, as soon as possible, so we can take a look and rule out serious problems.

Reasons your gums might bleed

Here, we list the most common reasons your gums are bleeding when you brush.

#1: Gingivitis

This is the most common cause of bleeding gums and by a considerable margin. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease, and one of the most common dental conditions.

Symptoms include bleeding gums while brushing and flossing, as well as swollen and tender gums.

Gingivitis is the result of plaque at the gum line not being removed. This plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria that infect the gums and cause bleeding.

The good news is that gingivitis can be halted and turned back before it develops into something worse. The number one defence against gingivitis is nothing more complicated than good, regular brushing and flossing.

#2: Medications

A variety of medications can cause havoc with your gums. Blood thinners, as their name suggests, reduce the ability of blood to clot, which means it is easier to bleed in sensitive areas like the gums.

If you suffer from bleeding gums, make sure your dentist is aware of any medications you are taking.

If medication is identified as the source of your bleeding, it is time to work with both your doctor and your dentist to develop a treatment plan.

#3: New Flossing Routine

This is a deceptively simple reason, and one of the few reasons for bleeding gums that might make your dentist smile.

If you’ve never flossed before, or changed your floss or flossing practices, it can lead to minor bleeding of the gums. Give this a few days, and if it doesn’t resolve itself, visit your dentist.

#4: New Toothbrush

This is very similar to the previous cause. A new toothbrush, or a shift from soft to hard bristles, can cause bleeding. In this case, the bleeding is your gums telling you to back off a bit.

Most dentists recommend soft-bristled toothbrushes to avoid this problem. The problem can also be related to your brushing technique or brushing too hard, so check with your dentist to see if your technique is proper.

#5: Pregnancy Gingivitis

Yes, this is real. Pregnancy unleashes a rush of hormones, and this can cause increased blood flow to the gums. This makes the gums particularly vulnerable to bacteria and plaque, leading to gum bleeding and tenderness. As its name suggests, Pregnancy Gingivitis usually stops shortly after birth.

#6: Poor Oral Hygiene Habits

This is another common one. Even a short break from proper oral hygiene habits can lead to bleeding gums. And if your oral hygiene is always imperfect, bleeding gums can become a certainty.

Research shows that even healthy gums can become bleeding gums with only one day off proper oral care. So, keep at that brushing and flossing!

#7: Poor Diet

Processed foods include ingredients that can irritate gums and lead to minor gum bleeding. Choose healthier alternatives.

Fruits and veggies, along with nutrients like calcium, vitamins D and C, and magnesium are essential elements of oral health. Make sure you get the daily recommended allowances of your vitamins and minerals.

#8: Stress

The bane of modern life, a constant state of stress harms your immune system. This makes it more difficult to fight off all kinds of sicknesses, and bleeding gums and gum disease are among them.

Tension also lead to inflammation, which breaks down mouth tissues and makes healing a more complicated process.

#9: Misaligned Bite

Misaligned teeth can lead to “bite disease,” another potential cause of bleeding gums. If your teeth are misaligned, the wrong type of pressure is applied to the wrong places when you grind your teeth or bite down.

#10: Smoking or Vaping

It should come as no surprise that vaping and smoking increase your risk for oral health problems, including bleeding gums.

Tobacco products aren’t good for you in any way, and the only real answer is to stop using them.

The Dental Care Experience in Warner

Warner Lakes Dental makes your visit the quickest and easiest dental experience possible.

From parking through treatment, and on to checkout, we make the process as painless and straightforward as possible.

From routine check-ups and cleans to crowns, extractions, and cosmetic treatment, Warner Lakes Dental is your partner in dental health.

We want you and your family to enjoy life with a stunning smile and a healthy mouth, teeth, and gums!

Warner dentist serves local communities in Whiteside, Cashmere, Bray Park, Albany Creek, Brendale, Strathpine, Joyner, Griffin, Lawnton, and Petrie.

Same day dental emergency appointment available!

For more information, call us on (07) 3448 0162 or request your appointment here.

We are located at Warner Lakes Medical Precinct, 1185B Old North Road in Warner.

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