Bleeding Gums: A clear sign of trouble
Bleeding Gums
What is Bleeding Gums?
Gums bleed when they are irritated and inflamed which is not considered normal. It can be due to simple plaque build up, or pregnancy, or medications and it can be as serious as late-stage gum disease (periodontitis).
Over time, if not cleaned off through daily brushing and interdental cleaning, the plaque can turn into a hard deposit called tartar or calculus which will require professional scaling by dentist to remove it.
Why do my gums bleed easily?
This is due to plaque (a soft film of bacteria) being left on the teeth which causes inflammation called gingivitis and if not addressed can develop into gum disease. When you brush the plaque off, you reduce the germs, and in doing so, reduce the bleeding.
What causes bleeding gums?
- Brushing: Improper brushing technique and use of hard tooth brush etc.
- Gum Problems (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): It is the inflammation of the gums. Plaque (leftover particles of food) builds up on your teeth and at the gumline. When it is not removed by brushing and flossing it can infect your gums and lead to the symptoms of gingivitis. The plaque attracts germs and bacteria resulting in gums that may become swollen, tender and sometimes bleed during brushing.
- New Flossing Habit: If you haven’t flossed in a few days, there is going to be a build up of plaque in the gum line of the gaps between your teeth leading to inflammation of gums and hence bleeding gums. Continue to floss for few more days and you’ll see reduced bleeding with healthy gums.
- Medications: Some of the known medications decrease your blood’s ability to clot, which can lead to easier bleeding. Whenever you visit your dentist or health professional, you should let them know about any medications you may be taking.
- Pregnancy Gingivitis: Some pregnant women experience swollen gums and lots of bleeding during brushing. Do not panic! During pregnancy, there are hormonal changes in the body and this affects the body’s response to the bacteria that causes gingivitis and gum disease. Symptoms generally clear up after pregnancy or when the hormonal balances from pregnancy go back to normal. A dental check-up and regular brushing and flossing can help to prevent gum problems from becoming worse.
How do I stop my gums from bleeding?
Bleeding Gums can be prevented by following proper oral hygiene methods.
- Brush your teeth and gums two times a day using a soft brush, with a fluoride toothpaste at least for 2 -3 min.
- Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, or use a tongue scraper. Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.
- Clean the gaps between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss at least once a day.
- Visit your dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.
You can enjoy a better quality of life by preventing bleeding gums and other gum problems. If you are looking for dentist in Mysore for problems like bleeding gums, bad breath, gum recession etc., contact us or book an appointment at Life Care Dental Clinic Mysore.
