Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush my teeth?
It is not normal for gums to bleed on a regular basis. If your gums bleed daily while you brush or floss, you may be exhibiting signs of advancing gum disease. By the time your gums begin to bleed, the disease-causing bacteria have already started to spread and may compromise your oral health. Consider seeking periodontal therapy treatment options before it’s too late.
What causes gums to bleed?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection. Bacteria multiply and spread, forming deep pockets in the gums. As the infection progresses, the bacteria growth causes the gums to become inflamed. The inflamed gums start to swell and pull away from the teeth. Gums become sensitive and may easily bleed when brushing and flossing. Gum disease also makes patients susceptible to gum recession, halitosis, and even tooth loss.
Long-term, periodontal disease will impact the patient’s overall well-being and health. Patients with advanced gum disease are more susceptible to systemic disease. Gum disease leads to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, or strokes.
How to Treat Bleeding Gums
Owings Mills Dental Care helps patients avoid developing gum disease through preventive dentistry and encouraging good oral hygiene habits. For patients with advanced gum disease, we offer periodontal therapy treatment options. Our dental care team recommends that everyone should visit the dentist at least once every six months. Although, patients with gum disease may consider visiting more frequently.
Our dentists will visually evaluate the gums for signs of developing gum disease. Early intervention is critical to prevent the advancement of periodontal disease.
Our Owings Mill, MD dentist office offers periodontal therapy options for treating gum disease. A personalized consultation will determine which treatment options will provide optimal results. Our doctors will help patients clean their gums and restore their oral health.
Stop Bleeding Gums At Home
Do you want to try and stop your gums from bleeding before visiting? Although we always recommend seeing a dentist for an expert opinion, there are ways you can prevent your gums from bleeding regularly. Try these tips to stop your gums from bleeding before visiting a dentist.
- Brush lightly. Examine your tooth-brushing routine and ask yourself: “Am I pushing too hard on my toothbrush and scratching my gums, causing them to bleed?”
- Use a softer bristle toothbrush. Sometimes, a person’s mouth is more sensitive than others. Try using a soft ADA-approved toothbrush.
- Switch to a healthier diet. Eating hard foods like potato chips too often can cause small lacerations to your gums. This lets bacteria in more easily and can cause oral diseases to flourish.
- Medications can affect your gum health. Medicines like blood pressure medications and blood thinners can cause inflammation, bleeding, and periodontal disease. Always talk to your doctor about the side effects of prescription medications. Always consult with your doctor before you stop taking any medications.
Schedule A Consultation
If you are looking for a dentist in the Baltimore area, contact Owings Mills Dental Care at 410-782-3021 or request an appointment online. Our dental care team provides compassionate, modern, preventative dentistry in a comfortable environment. We welcome new patients from Owings Mills, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Randallstown, Windsor Mill, Woodlawn, surrounding Baltimore communities.
Bleeding Gums FAQs
Is it normal for gums to bleed sometimes?
While it’s common for gums to bleed occasionally, it’s not normal or healthy. They should not bleed when you brush or floss gently. If your gums bleed often, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. It could be the start of gum disease or another health problem. Contact us if you notice your gums bleeding regularly.
When should I contact my dentist about my bleeding gums?
Occasionally, it’s normal that you may cut your mouth or something when you’re brushing your teeth. However, if it happens multiple times throughout the month, it’s a sign of something more and you should contact us. This is especially true if you notice you’ve been experiencing problems with bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
How long does it take for bleeding gums to heal?
The infection has to be treated before your gums can heal fully. The inflammation from the infection will continue to impact the strength of your gum tissue. Issues with the gums breaking open and bleeding are possible until the infection is taken care of.
How can I help with bleeding gums at home?
Certain kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes can help with the inflammation that comes along with bleeding gums, particularly if they’re antiseptic varieties. Talk to your dentist to see what products they recommend to help keep your gums healthy!
Can stress cause bleeding gums?
Yes, stress can contribute to bleeding gums. When you’re stressed, your body’s immune system weakens. When your immune system is weak, its hard to fight off bacteria that leads to periodontal disease. Stress can also lead to teeth grinding or clench, which can irritate your gums. Some people might neglect their oral hygiene when stressed, allowing plaque to build up. Try to manage your stress and maintain good oral habits even when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Can pregnancy cause bleeding gums?
Yes, pregnancy can cause bleeding gums. Many pregnant women experience swollen, tender gums that bleed easily. This is due to the hormone changes that takes place during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones lead to more sensitive gums from the bacteria in plaque.
While it’s common, it’s still vital to keep up with a good oral hygiene routine and visit us on a regular basis.
How are bleeding gums related to overall health?
Sometimes, bleeding gums are a sign of a bigger problem beyond your mouth. The bleeding could indicate issues like vitamin deficiencies, especially in vitamins C and K. Some blood disorders can also cause easy bleeding, including in the gums. Diabetes can make you more prone to gum disease and bleeding. In rare cases, bleeding gums might be a sign of leukemia. Please visit us if your gums are bleeding.
Can certain medications cause bleeding gums?
Yes, some medications can increase the likelihood of bleeding gums. Blood thinners, like aspirin or warfarin, can make your gums bleed more easily. Some blood pressure medications can also affect your gums. If you’re taking any medications and notice increased gum bleeding, talk to your Owings Mills dentist. We can help determine if your medicine is causing the problem and suggest ways to manage it