Not many things are more upsetting than seeing blood in the morning or every time you brush or floss. While some minor bleeding may result from excessive brushing, if you want to avoid more serious dental problems in the future, you should not ignore frequent or severe bleeding.
Find out what causes bleeding gums, when to seek medical attention, and proactive ways to maintain the health and vibrancy of your smile.
Causes of Bleeding Gums
Before recognizing "red flag" situations, it is helpful to identify what causes bleeding when brushing. The tissues surrounding teeth are called gingiva, commonly known as gums.
Although healthy gums seem strong, inflammation quickly erodes them. Inflammation causes the connective tissues that hold the gums to the firm underlying bone to break down, creating vascular structures that easily fill with blood.
Harmful plaque bacteria accumulation is the most prevalent culprit in inflaming gum tissues. Insufficient oral hygiene enables bacteria to harden into tartar, which then irritates gums perpetually.
Poor nutrition, smoking cigarettes, diabetes, leukemia, blood thinners, and certain medications that hinder blood clotting also heighten bleeding risks substantially.
5 Signs Bleeding Gums Should Concern You
Though sometimes normal, consistent blood spotted upon brushing or flossing accompanied by these indicators means unhealthy gums are vulnerable to escalating disease:
1. Frequency
Random bleeding every few months is less worrisome than daily episodes. When twice daily oral care activities commonly incite flowing blood, take heed before periodontal disease sets in.
2. Volume of Blood
Pinpoint spots on the brush or floss require less intervention than bleeding flowing freely for over a minute nonstop after agitation stops. These cases risk advanced infection. In such a case, it is advisable to get in touch with a skilled dentist.
3. Sore, Swollen, or Receding Gum Lines
Inflamed gums often seem distended, feel sore, or begin shrinking away from teeth. All demonstrate compromised periodontal health.
All these signs are connected to the bleeding gum problem, so if you have swollen or sore gums, get in touch with a dentist for an assessment.
4. Halitosis Unrelieved by Brushing
Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, is a condition where an unpleasant odor comes from the mouth. It often results from bacteria in the mouth breaking down leftover food particles.
As blood and dying gum tissues themselves emit undesirable odors, chronic bad breath or tastes spell intensifying problems.
5. Increased Tooth Sensitivity
Do you fear drinking your favorite cold drinks, eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee? When ply gums no longer insulate teeth effectively, sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets results. This connects to gum retreat as well.
Guard Your Smile Proactively
Though some natural aging-related gingival thinning occurs eventually, proactively buffering against bacteria and resultant inflammation keeps smiles vibrant:
- Maintain meticulous daily plaque removal via brushing and flossing
- Incorporate antimicrobial mouth rinses when advised
- Cease tobacco habits immediately
- Eat balanced, nutrient-rich diets
- Schedule professional teeth cleanings biannually
- Address indications of other health conditions impacting oral wellness
By understanding what causes bleeding gums, recognizing “red flags” not to ignore, and taking proactive steps daily to care for gum health, your smile can shine brightly for decades without fears of escalating periodontal problems looming.
Don’t wait until it may be too late; call your dentist with any oral health concerns for assessments.