Should I Be Worried If My Gums Are Bleeding?

Question: My gums often bleed when I brush and floss. Is this something that I should be worried about?

Gums can bleed for a number of reasons. Most people are surprised and worried when they see blood on their toothbrush, or spit blood into the sink after brushing. The most common cause for bleeding gums is easily fixed. Bad oral hygiene can cause gums to bleed, as plaque, tartar and calculus accumulate on your teeth at the gum line and cause irritation. Brush twice a day to avoid this common problem.

Gums can also be more sensitive and prone to bleeding when a woman is pregnant, so if you are pregnant, it could just be your hormones at work. Fluctuations in hormones cause what dentists call “pregnancy gingivitis.” To avoid bloody gums during pregnancy, brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and continue to floss regularly. Consult an OBGYN if the problems persists.

Bleeding gums are also an early indicator of gingivitis, or swollen gums. Gingivitis is cause by plaque accumulating under the gum line. Plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, but if the plaque sits and turns into tartar, you’ll need a trip to the dentist to resolve the issue. If gingivitis is left untreated, periodontal disease, or gum disease, is likely to occur. This gum disease can spread into the bone and tissue that surround the tooth, causing real problems.

If you have any questions about bleeding gums, feel free to contact the professionals at DentaLux today!