While brushing, have you ever noticed a bit of blood on your toothbrush and wondered about the cause? Everyone’s gums bleed at some point in their lives for a variety of reasons, but the sight of a little red while you brush can still be unnerving.
Gums, or gingiva, are the pink tissue that cover your jawbone and hold your teeth in place. Healthy gums are firm, taut and surround each tooth. Of course, there are multiple reasons why your gums may start leaking red, and none of them are comfortable. To help make sure your gums are as healthy as possible, we’re going to list five of the leading reasons why gums bleed and what you can do to remedy the situation.
This week, we’ll talk about the first two most common causes of bloody gums, and next week, we’ll finish up with the final three most common reasons for bleeding gums.
5: Poor Hygiene
The leading cause for bleeding gums is poor oral hygiene. Your cleaning regimen needs to include more than just brushing, as brushing alone won’t remove all the plaque, tartar and calculus that accumulates on your teeth at the gum line.. The longer you leave plaque there, the more likely it is that it will become infected.
I know I tend to harp on this, but flossing daily isn’t an option – it’s a necessity. And one size does not fit all — some people need to brush and floss several times a day to avoid bleeding gums and other dental problems.
Brushing at least twice a day is a must for everyone, but if your gums have recently started bleeding, try brushing after every meal. Your gum health will likely improve, and you’ll probably see difference in how often your gums bleed.
4: Gingivitis
Gingivitis sounds complicated, but it just means that your gums are inflamed. However, if gingivitis is not taken care of, it can become a serious issue. It’s a chronic condition caused by the long-term effects of plaque — a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus and food debris — and tartar (what plaque becomes when it hardens) build up. Most of us have some degree of gingivitis from time to time, but consistent dental care can turn it around.
Plaque can be easily removed with brushing and flossing, but tartar requires a trip to the dentist, where we’ll use specialized ultra-sonic cleaning equipment to break it off and allow the gums to heal.
Here at Pine Mountain Dental Care of Kennesaw, we want to do everything possible to help you avoid bleeding gums or treat the problem if you already have an issue. Please give us call at 770-426-0503 to make an appointment. And come back next week to learn about the final three most common reasons for bleeding gums.
