When should I be concerned about my gums bleeding?
Bleeding gums are common, and typically treated at home. When is the point where you should consider seeing a dental professional? It all depends on your circumstances and health. Whenever you feel like you need to see a professional, you should-if only for piece of mind. However some conditions and symptoms will help you to decide if this is something more serious.
What causes bleeding gums?
Many things can cause gum bleeding. Here are the most common causes.
- Gum Disease or infection- These infections form when material enters into the gumline and fester, creating a home for harmful bacteria. As this bacteria expands and multiplies, it creates more space between your gums and teeth, and causes tissue damage. Gum disease and gingivitis is the most common cause of gum bleeding. It is treatable at home using dental care routines.
- Improper brushing- While hygiene is the most important dental care routine, brushing or flossing too hard can cause gum bleeding. Using a worn toothbrush or rougher dental floss can cause these issues as well.
- Hard tooth bristles- Check your toothbrush, you may just need a soft bristle one your gum strengthening toothpaste.
- Other damaged teeth- Living with broken or damaged teeth can compromise your gums, your bite, your jaw, and cause other physical damage in your mouth. If there is obvious damage to your gums or teeth, you may be creating areas for infections to form.
When should you see your dentist for bleeding gums?
- If the bleeding is consistent, and does not stop after immediate irritation, you should see someone.
- If the bleeding is accompanied by pain, discomfort, or if the pain grows severe over time.
- If you are pregnant. Gum bleeding is common in pregnancy, but so is infection and compromised immune issues.
- If you are diabetic. Diabetes challenges your immune system and leaves you vulnerable to infections.
- If you have gingivitis. While gingivitis is very common, and usually treated at home, you need to monitor it. If you do not treat Gingivitis properly, it can develop into Periodontitis. Periodontitis must be treated by your dentist and care team. It can lead to tooth loss, and your gums will actually separate from your tooth roots. This can be a major problem and it is best to avoid it by practicing proper dental hygiene.
Dental Hygiene
Most of the issues that cause gum bleeding are related to proper hygiene. Proper dental hygiene does not always mean aggressive brushing and flossing constantly. You should brush frequently after meals, but do not over brush. Be sure to brush all of your teeth, not default to the front facing ones. Brush gently with soft circular motions to remove buildup of your teeth. Brush the front and back sides of all your teeth, and brush your gums always. Brush your gums even if they are bleeding or inflamed, but do so gently as to not cause further irritations. See your dentist regularly for cleanings and dental hygiene advice. Do not forget to floss and use mouthwash regularly, to clean the harder to reach spaces of your mouth.