Every now and then, you may notice that your gums have started bleeding while you're flossing, or maybe even during a regular tooth brushing. Is this cause for alarm? Access Dental and Dentures is the best dentist in Southeast Missouri and we are here to help answer your questions about gum health and what it could mean if yours are bleeding. Keep reading to learn more!
Bad Brushing
Bleeding gums could simply be caused by bad, or incorrect, brushing techniques. If you tend to brush your teeth very hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush, then it could simply mean that you are being too aggressive and need to pull back a bit. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush in gentle circles to avoid causing damage to your gums while brushing.
You could also be on the other end of the spectrum and not be brushing your teeth often enough. If you tend to forget to brush your teeth often, then when you do start to take care of your teeth again, they may have become sensitive. They won't be used to your brushing and that could be the reason for the bleeding.
For healthier brushing habits, be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush at least two times a day with a steady, circular motion that doesn't wear on your gums.
Gum Disease
A more serious cause of bleeding gums would be the gum disease gingivitis. This is actually a fairly common condition that causes inflammation in the gums due to plaque buildup at the gumline. Your gums will appear swollen and redder near the base of your tooth. If you have this condition, then any type of pressure - even proper tooth brushing - can cause your gums to bleed. It is important to seek medical, dental attention if you have developed gum disease.
When to Contact Your Dentist
A little bit of blood from your gums is not always a bad thing. It could just mean that you've picked flossing back up after a long break and your teeth aren't accustomed to it yet. But, if you are regularly noticing blood in the sick every day - especially if you also notice pain or swelling in your gums - then it is probably time to call your local dentist. Access Dental and Dentures is the best local dentist, and we would be happy to help you find out what is causing your gum issues and help fix them!
No comments:
Post a Comment