Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
As we get older, it's more and more common to see a drop or two of blood in the sink after brushing and flossing. It’s so common that a number of us think it’s okay. But bleeding gums, even after cleaning at the dentist, are not healthy gums. This is a symptom, often associated with other warning signs such as swollen, red and irritated gums, gingivitis (early gum disease). Millions of adults have some form of gum disease, but only a small fraction of them realize it. The good news: The early stage of gum disease is reversible with improved daily oral care and frequent visits to the dentist for scaling. But when these symptoms are overlooked, gingivitis can progress to severe gum disease (periodontitis) which attacks the gums, erodes the jawbone, and is the main cause of tooth loss. If you see blood in your sink, don't wait another day to improve your oral hygiene routine of brushing 2 minutes twice a day, flossing, and using a daily mouthwash.
When part of our body starts to bleed, it is usually a sign that something is wrong. It's the same with our gums. Many people notice bleeding when brushing their teeth daily. Although it could be a simple gesture too rough or an improperly adapted brush, this bleeding could indicate the presence of a more serious problem.
What are the causes?
Bleeding gums are usually related to poor oral hygiene, which causes irritation. Left untreated, the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth and around the gums can lead to gingivitis, bad breath, and even bone loss and tooth loss. Other possible reasons are ill-fitting dental procedures, such as a crown or filling, smoking, or certain medications. In very rare cases, serious diseases such as leukemia, may be the reason, which is why it is important to see your dentist right away.
How to cure it?
To help our gums, we can start by improving our oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth for two minutes (instead of the usual 30 seconds), morning and evening, is essential. Ask your dentist for advice on choosing a suitable toothbrush. A healthy diet limited in sugars can also help. Make sure you do the right thing and brush your teeth near the gums (gently) to eliminate bacteria.
Many women notice changes in their gums during their period or during pregnancy. This bleeding is linked to hormonal changes. During the first trimester of pregnancy, some women suffer from a special form of gingivitis, when increased hormones create more blood flow to the gums.
If your gums bleed regularly, the good news is, it's not too late to improve your dental hygiene. Regular dental scaling can remove plaque more effectively than brushing and flossing. It is therefore important to go there once every six months or every year, depending on the advice of healthcare professionals. The important thing to remember is that if your gums are bleeding, you must go see your dentist and have them look over your oral health.