If you’ve noticed that your gums are bleeding, you might be wondering if it’s something to worry about. Bleeding gums can be caused by a lot of different things, but unfortunately, it’s often a sign that something is going on in your mouth that needs to be treated. While flossing can help prevent gum disease and bleeding, it is unlikely to stop it without professional dental help.
What’s going on with my gums?
Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film made up of bacteria that forms on the teeth and in between the gums. This bacteria can cause inflammation in the gums, which causes them to bleed. If you’re prone to bleeding gums and have noticed more than usual bleeding lately, it’s possible that you’ve developed some form of gum disease or another oral health issue.
How to tell if your gums are bleeding because of gum disease.
The symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red, pinkish color of the gums. The gums become inflamed and swollen as the bacteria in your mouth irritate them.
- Pain when you brush or floss. Your gums may feel tender, swollen, or sensitive to touch when you brush and floss your teeth. The pain shouldn’t last for long after brushing; if it does, talk to your dentist about getting tested for gum disease (which is possible even without any symptoms).
- Bleeding from brushing or flossing — this symptom can be a sign that you’re at risk for more serious problems like tooth loss if left untreated so don’t ignore it!
What causes the bleeding?
Bad dental habits such as not brushing or flossing regularly can lead to bleeding gums. This is because plaque builds up on your teeth over time and then hardens into tartar (calculus), which if left untreated will damage the soft tissue under your gums causing bleeding when you brush or floss. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, these conditions can also cause bleeding gums as well as other complications with your body’s circulatory system.
Flossing is a good way to prevent bleeding gums and cavities, but only flossing isn’t enough.
While flossing can help to prevent bleeding gums and cavities, you also need to brush your teeth. If you don’t brush, the bacteria from your food left on your teeth will just spread around.
Also, only flossing isn’t enough. You need to see a dentist regularly for a thorough cleaning and checkup so that he/she can tell if you have any cavities or other issues with your teeth. A dentist will be able to tell if there are signs of bleeding gums and recommend what kind of treatment is needed if any. If the problem continues after trying these tips, it’s probably time for a trip to the dentist!
What should I do?
The best way to treat bleeding gums is to find out what’s causing them. Only a dentist will be able to properly identify the cause.
Dr. Winsome Henry-Ward specializes in gentle, kind, and caring dentistry. She will take the time to get to know you and your needs and treat you accordingly. Interested in learning more? Book your next appointment today!