It’s commonly known that bleeding gums are sign of gum disease. Although gum disease is
prevalent among adults in the U.S, there is a chance your bleeding gums may not actually be a
sign of periodontal disease.
What else can cause gums to bleed? Here are the top culprits outside of gum disease that may
be causing you to see a little pink in your sink.
Aggressive Brushing
Brushing aggressively is not only damaging to your teeth, it can be damaging to gums too.
When you brush hard, you can irritate gums and cause them to bleed. Aggressive brushing has
also been linked to tooth enamel erosion, therefore leading to cavities. Brush gently for best
results and to encourage healthy gum tissue!
Using the Wrong Toothbrush
Although toothbrush bristles should be sturdy, they should also have some softness to them.
This is why it’s best to choose toothbrushes with soft bristles when picking out a new one at the
store. Using toothbrushes with firm bristles can aggravate gum tissue and cause bleeding,
especially when combined with harsh brushing.
Toothbrushes that need to be replaced can also cause gums to bleed. If your toothbrush
bristles begin to fray or have been fraying for some time, this can cause the brush to poke at
your gums. You should ideally be replacing your toothbrush every three months, but if your
brush frays sooner than this, get a new one to stop damage to gum tissue!
Starting to Floss Again
If you haven’t flossed in quite some time but are starting a routine again, it’s likely you’ll see a
little blood when flossing your teeth. Although bleeding gums can be a sign of forceful flossing,
it’s more likely that you just haven’t flossed in a while and your teeth and gums are getting used
to the routine again. If you continue to see blood even after you’ve established your flossing
routine, consult your dentist!
Smoking
Smoking is not only terrible for your health, but can also irritate gum tissue, causing it to
become more sensitive and bleed. Smoking can also cause dry mouth and increase your risk of
gum disease. In the event that you smoke, bleeding while brushing may be more of a sign of
gum disease than it is not.
Talk to your dentist or doctor about quitting smoking when you go in for your appointment.
There are resources, medications, and support groups that can help!
Medications
It’s true that many medications can cause dry mouth, but it’s also true that some medications
can cause problems with your gum tissue. This includes medications such as anti-seizure
medications, blood pressure medications, or anti-depressants. If you notice any gum
inflammation or bleeding, first consult with your dentist to identify the cause. You may need to
see your doctor to talk about switching medications as well!
Are your gums bleeding during brushing or at other times? It’s time to consult your dentist if
you haven’t already. It could be gum disease, or you may need to adjust your habits to ensure
you have a healthy smile. Bleeding gums is a sign that something needs to be addressed, so
don’t wait to determine the cause!
Free image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net by yodiyim
