How to Prevent Bleeding Gums
Do your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth? Do you feel discomfort around your gums when you floss or go to the dentist? Bleeding gums are fairly common, and they may not indicate any underlying issues. Let’s explore some potential reasons why gums bleed and how to prevent bleeding gums.
Common Reasons Why Gums Bleed
If your gums only bleed when you floss, you’re probably not flossing enough. Floss creates minor friction along the surface of your gums, but your gums get stronger every time you floss. You may experience gum bleeding if you only floss every so often, but you can fix that problem by flossing once a day.
Gum bleeding may be the result of plaque buildup along your gum line. This irritates and inflames the gums, which makes them more susceptible to bleeding. If that plaque is left untreated for too long, it turns into tartar and may eventually cause gum disease (gingivitis).
Bleeding gums could also indicate that you’re brushing your teeth too hard. You should put light pressure when you brush along your gums, but not so much that you scrub them raw. The goal is to flick away food and bacteria without doing damage to your gums.
Other gum bleeding causes include hormone changes, infection, certain medications (blood thinners), ill-fitting dentures/dental appliances, Vitamin K deficiency, and bleeding disorders. If your gums started bleeding when you started taking a new medication, talk to your doctor about the side effects and possible treatment alternatives.
Proven Ways to Prevent Bleeding Gums
Good oral hygiene practices can protect your entire smile, not just your gums. Here are some proven ways to prevent gum bleeding:
- Brush twice and floss once daily. Make this a consistent routine so that your gums do not become sensitive to the floss.
- Get your teeth professionally cleaned at least once per year. This will keep plaque buildup to a minimum to prevent gum inflammation.
- Brush in gentle circles using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not brush your teeth like you scrub your countertops. Gentle motions are sufficient for daily brushing, and your teeth cleaning appointments will take care of the rest.
- Consider switching to softer bristles. There are many bristle stiffness levels available. If your current toothbrush hurts your gums, consider switching to softer bristles. You should replace your toothbrush once every six months.
- Make sure your dentures or mouthguards fit comfortably. If your gums are irritated because of the fit, your dentist may need to make adjustments.
- Stop smoking to reduce your risks of gum bleeding. Smokers are twice as likely to develop gum disease compared to non-smokers. Learn more: Oral Health Risks from Smoking Tobacco Products
Consider what may be causing your bleeding gums. Then, make adjustments to protect your smile. Chances are, you’ll be able to see big changes in your smile by making small changes.
How to Treat Bleeding Gums
If you experience persistent pain, bleeding, or inflammation on your gum line, it’s time to talk to your dentist about treatment options. They can assess your oral health, lifestyle, brushing routine, and other factors to personalize a treatment plan for you. Clinton Dental Center offers gum disease treatment, teeth cleanings, oral health exams, dentures, and many other services. Our general dentist office is located at: