Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth is a fairly common issue that a lot of people experience over the course of their lives.
Often bleeding gums after brushing your teeth is not a serious problem, but it is important that you take some steps to try and prevent this from continuing.
Understanding the reasons behind bleeding gums is crucial for maintaining good oral health and preventing more serious conditions.
Here, we'll explore the various causes of bleeding gums, how to prevent it, and when to seek professional dental care.
Common Causes of Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth can result from several factors, ranging from poor oral hygiene to underlying health conditions. Let’s look at some of the most common causes:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease and often involves inflammation of the gums.
This is caused by occurs a buildup of plaque over time. This is something that can be addressed by brushing your teeth twice a day, incorporating daily flossing into your routine and using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash.
If not addressed, gingivitis can lead to more severe gum disease.
Poor Oral Hygiene
It is recommended that you should brush your teeth twice a day for around two to three minutes. You should also be flossing and using mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.
However, inadequate brushing and flossing can result in plaque building up. This build-up irritates the gums and can cause them to bleed.
Aggressive Brushing
We all know that brushing your teeth is one of the most important things you can do to maintain oral health. However, there can be occasions where brushing can actually cause issues with your gums.
Using a toothbrush with hard bristles or brushing too vigorously can damage the delicate gum tissue, leading to bleeding.
Medications
Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can increase the likelihood of gums bleeding when brushing your teeth.
This is why your dentist will probably at some stage have asked about any medications you're taking. If you do experience any bleeding of the gums after brushing and have started new medication, consider talking to your dentist.
Preventing Bleeding Gums
Preventing bleeding gums involves maintaining good oral hygiene and adopting healthy habits. Let’s take a look at some simple things you can do to try and prevent this common issue.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft to medium bristled toothbrush and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also help reduce bacteria in your mouth.
Find the right toothbrush
Having the right toothbrush that will do an effective cleaning job is vital to maintaining oral hygiene. Whether you opt for a manual or an electric brush it’s important you keep your brush clean and in good condition.
At Sustuff our minimalist bamboo brushes come with a choice of medium or soft bristles so you can find the right fit for you. You can also replace the heads easily whilst keeping the aluminium handle for longer.
Being able to swap out the heads will ensure your toothbrush remains clean and you continue to do an effective cleaning job.
Use Proper Brushing Techniques
Avoid brushing too hard and use gentle, circular motions to clean your teeth and gums. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Rinse with Salt Water
A warm saltwater rinse can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria in your mouth.
Mix half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and swish it around your mouth before spitting it out.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Consuming a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and vitamin K, can support gum health. Leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables are excellent choices.
When to Seek Professional Dental Care
While occasional gum bleeding can be managed at home, persistent or severe bleeding may indicate a more serious issue that requires professional attention.
Here are some signs that it's time to see a dental professional to get help.
Persistent Bleeding
If your gums continue to bleed for more than a week despite good oral hygiene practices, it could be a sign of advanced gum disease or another underlying condition.
Pain and Swelling
Bleeding accompanied by pain, swelling, or tenderness in the gums should not be ignored. These symptoms may indicate an infection or gum disease.
Bleeding While Eating
If your gums bleed while eating, especially when chewing hard or tough foods, it could suggest gum problems that need professional evaluation.
Other Symptoms
Watch for other symptoms like bad breath, receding gums, or changes in the appearance of your gums. These may be indications of gum disease.
Take the Next Step To Better Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene, adopting healthy habits, and being vigilant about changes in your gum health are key to preventing bleeding gums.
Remember, your gums are an essential part of your oral health, so take care of them with the attention they deserve.
Check out our range of bamboo brushes that will help you keep on top of your oral hygiene. Our brushes come in two colours, eclipse black and jungle green, and you will also get three replacement heads.