Why should I worry about bleeding gums while brushing?
Dental concerns are unfortunately quite common among adults in Canada. This means that bleeding gums are also fairly common. Because of this, many people do not realize the dangers that come with bleeding gums and the importance of having them addressed as quickly as possible.
Why are my gums bleeding anyway?
If you brush hard or use a hard bristle tooth r=brush then you may experience bleeding gums at times, same with those who have ill-fitting dentures. While this occasional bleeding is not a sign of serious concerns, bleeding that happens frequently is.
How can gingivitis and gum disease be behind bleeding gums?
The first step in preventing a buildup of plaque and tartar is to brush and floss – properly. Gingivitis is what you experience with the early stages of gum disease. This can lead to bleeding, soreness, and swollen gums. Gingivitis can progress into more serious diseases.
The second, more serious stage of gum disease is periodontitis, which is an infection of the tissues and bones that connect your teeth and gums and can eventually cause bone and tooth loss. Once gum disease has reached this stage, the treatment options often involve tooth extraction surgery.
What steps should I take if I've noticed bleeding while I am brushing my teeth?
The first step in caring for bleeding gums is to call your dentist as soon as you notice it. Along with a professional dental exam and treatment, you can also follow the steps below to help care for your oral health. There are many suggestions below but they are worth the time in order to help prevent yourself from experiencing potentially serious and painful dental conditions:
- Brush after each meal and before bed with a soft toothbrush and gentle fluoride toothpaste. You may experience increased bleeding at first, but extra attention to oral hygiene can help the bleeding gums heal more efficiently in the longer run.
- Floss a minimum of once per day. Be sure to keep your floss somewhere highly visible, to help increase your likelihood of remembering to floss and protect your dental hygiene.
- Consider an electric toothbrush to help you clean your mouth more easily. Many electric toothbrushes have sensors to help communicate when you've done enough brushing, which is yet another reason using them often correlates with having fewer dental health problems.
- Rinse thoroughly with an anti-gingivitis, alcohol-free mouthwash. You can pick up a mouthwash that fits this description at your local pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist if you're unsure what you're looking for.
- See your dentist every 6 months and let them know of any changes, soreness, or sensitivity. Nothing is more effective than regular checkups with a professional when it comes to ensuring good oral health. Your dentist will not only provide a cleaning but also fully investigate to make sure your mouth is not currently afflicted by any manner of oral diseases - including gingivitis and periodontitis.
Your dentist will be a guiding light in your dental health care routine. along with regular professional cleanings, they can also provide tips on proper oral hygiene, brushing, and flossing techniques to reach the more challenging spots in your mouth.
Depending on the cause of your bleeding gums, your dentist may take new dental impressions to provide you with correctly fitting dentures or prescribe a vigorous dental care routine that can put you back on track to good gum health.