5 Reasons for Bleeding Gums When You Brush and Floss
Bleeding gums can be the reason for blood in the sink after brushing or flossing. This can be distressing, but your dentist in downtown Vancouver can evaluate your dental health and discuss your risk factors with you. Some common and usually treatable reasons for bleeding gums include:
Gingivitis and Other Gum Disease
Gingivitis is gum disease (periodontal disease) in its early stages. Bleeding gums is often one of the first signs of the onset of gingivitis. Getting this under control with gum disease treatment from your dentist can stop your gums from bleeding and impede progress of further gum disease. Gingivitis can be treated, but the more serious any type of gum disease becomes, the less reversable it is.
Plaque and Tartar Buildup
Plaque can be removed to some extent when you brush your teeth. Bacteria left on your teeth and gums causes plaque which eventually hardens into tartar. Both can cause irritation of your gums which can lead to bleeding. Tartar needs to be removed by a dental hygienist with special dental tools. Regular visits to the dentist to have your teeth cleaned and remove plaque and tartar will help alleviate your bleeding gums.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Your irregular or incomplete brushing habits can contribute to your bleeding gums. Bacteria left on your teeth can get under your gums and cause them to become inflamed and sore. When you brush or floss, the friction on your gums can cause them to bleed. Many people think that brushing your teeth hard is the way to go, but this can wear away enamel and cause your gums to bleed.
The current guideline for brushing your teeth is a minimum of twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Flossing or using a dental sprayer a minimum of once a day is recommended to help get food that your toothbrush could miss.
Trauma to Teeth or Mouth
Getting hit in the mouth or any accident that traumatizes your teeth or mouth can cause your gums to bleed. A tooth that gets knocked out can leave a bleeding hole in your gums. Cuts on your gums from biting something sharp or other traumatic injury to your mouth or teeth can cause bleeding. Any of these causes of bleeding gums will likely be temporary, though a visit to your dentist to have him examine you and diagnosis the situation might be called for.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Nutrition plays a big part in the health of your mouth. Make sure your diet includes foods high in vitamins and minerals or that you take vitamin supplements. A diet that lacks the proper nutrients can lead to your body becoming sick, and that includes your mouth, teeth, and gums. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of deficiency of vitamins C, D, and K.
Contact us today at O2 Dental to learn more about how we can help you treat your bleeding gums. Our friendly lead dentist, Dr. Siamak Khosro Tehrani, will be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you have.