Have you ever wondered why your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Maybe you’ve always noticed it, and just thought it was normal? You’re not alone – it’s a common myth that gums can just bleed on their own, however, healthy gums shouldn’t bleed at all! There are a number of reasons you may be experiencing this, ranging from needing to brush and floss more, to a more serious underlying health issue.
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Gingivitis
The main cause of bleeding gums, or gingivitis, is due to poor oral hygiene. Lack of brushing the gumlines or flossing daily can cause plaque bacteria to build up and inflame the gums. Sometimes it can be that you’re actually brushing too hard or using a hard bristled brush, which can irritate the gums leading to gum recession on top of bleeding. We recommend gentle brushing with a soft bristled brush twice a day.
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Periodontal disease
So we know what gingivitis is – but can this lead to other issues in the mouth? Leaving gingivitis for a longer period of time can lead to further infection and inflammation involving the bone that supports your teeth. Bacteria will travel below the gums and form a little pocket, where more plaque and bacteria can accumulate. If left untreated, that bacteria can start to damage the gums and bone irreversibly, affecting how stable your teeth sit in the jaw bone. This is why we think maintaining 6 monthly check and clean visits to remove build up and bacteria is so important!
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Pregnancy
Many women notice an increase in bleeding from their gums during pregnancy due to the sudden change in hormones. Don’t panic! This is just one of the surprises that you probably weren’t aware of when you signed up to bring a new life into the world. This increase in bleeding usually subsides after baby is born, but can be exacerbated with poor oral hygiene – so keep up the brushing!
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Incorrectly fitting dentures
Dentures that are ill fitting can rub or scratch the gums and create ulcers. Taking them out at night to let your mouth breathe and heal can help, but ultimately it might be time to reline or replace your appliance!
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Health issues
If your gums are bleeding regularly, they might be trying to tell you something a bit more serious. Sometimes the bleeding can be an underlying sign of another health condition, such as liver disease, blood clotting disorders, anemia and leukemia to name a few. Hopefully this isn’t the case, but it’s always best to come in so we can rule out any other reasons it may be happening first.
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums or are due for your check up and clean, please don’t hesitate to contact North Brisbane Dental Clinic on (07) 3632 8100, or click here to book online with one of our dentists or oral health therapists.