What Causes Bleeding Gums?
While gums can bleed occasionally, frequent bleeding can be a sign of a major underlying issue. When your gums start bleeding, you’ll want to consider what underlying issues may be causing the bleeding and how you can address these issues.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums aren’t caused by just one thing, and they are often a symptom of another health issue. Here are a few of the reasons your gums may be bleeding:
- Gingivitis. One of the most common reasons for bleeding gums is gingivitis. Gingivitis is a disease that is generally caused by plaque on the teeth by the gumline.
- Periodontitis. If gingivitis isn’t addressed, it can lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious oral disease and can lead to teeth loosening or even falling out.
- Poor diet. If you are deficient in vitamins like vitamin C and K due to a poor diet, you may find that your gums bleed. Additionally, eating a lot of sugar and carbs can lead to oral health problems that in turn cause your gums to bleed.
- Hard brushing/flossing. If you are brushing and flossing too hard, you may be causing distress to your gums.
- Smoking. Smoking can cause inflammation and can contribute to gum disease.
How To Avoid Bleeding Gums
In order to avoid gum bleeding and even reverse it, here are a few things that you can do starting today:
- Brush, floss and rinse. Make sure you are taking good care of your teeth and gums. This means brushing, flossing and rinsing at least twice a day, every day.
- Get your teeth cleaned regularly. You should be going to your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. If you don’t currently have an appointment scheduled for your next cleaning, make sure you get one in the books now.
- Quit smoking.
- Eat healthier. By eating more vegetables, you will increase your intake of vitamins that help to keep your gums healthy. Also, quit eating sugar and cut back on carbs to help the health of your gums.
- Buy a softer brush. Sometimes gum bleeding is simply caused by using a brush that has bristles that are too hard. Try buying a toothbrush with softer bristles, and brush your gums softly.
- Gentle flossing. While you want to make sure you get rid of the food stuck between your teeth, you also don’t want to hurt your gums. Floss gently and regularly.
When To See a Dentist
Some of the tips above can help someone with bleeding gums to stop the bleeding on their own. If you follow the tips above and your gums continue to bleed regularly, it’s time to set an appointment with your dentist. This is especially so if your gums bleed more than a couple of times a month. The occasional bleeding is okay, but regular bleeding can be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Make sure you have your next cleaning and checkup in the books today.