Most people have experienced bleeding gums at some point in their lives. Gums can bleed due to various reasons and most of the time it is not serious. Since it is quite common, bleeding gums can be easily ignored and overlooked. However, bleeding can also point to serious dental issues that may require extensive dental treatment if not treated early. Here is a list of the most common causes of bleeding gums.
People can cause their gums to bleed if their tooth is too hard. Hard toothbrushes can cause discomfort, pain, and bleeding. It is advisable to use soft bristle toothbrushes instead. These soft bristles are able to sweep under the gums easily to remove bacteria and plaque that contribute to gum decay and diseases. In general, they do less damage to your tooth enamel.
If you think that the harder you brush the cleaner your teeth will be, you are misinformed. Brushing too hard can cause excessive discomfort, bleeding, and pain in your gums. A common indicator that you are brushing too hard is that the bristles of your toothbrush are frayed or bent.
Gingivitis is one of the most common reasons for bleeding gums. Bacteria and plaque stuck between your teeth can cause infections and swelling in the gums causing them to bleed. If not treated in the early stages, the gum disease will continue to progress. At later stages, you may experience gum decay, tooth loss, bone loss, and receding gums. Gingivitis can be easily avoided by following a proper dental hygiene routine. Adopt a proper habit of brushing twice a day and flossing daily. By developing these good habits, you can get rid of bleeding gums and avoid gingivitis.
Flossing is an important part of a proper dental hygiene routine. To prevent infections, cavities, and gum disease, it is vital to floss daily. Take note that if it is your first-time flossing, your gums may bleed. This can be alarming at first, but it is completely normal as your gums are just inflamed from the lack of proper hygiene. If you continue the habit of flossing regularly, your gums will get used to flossing and will less likely bleed.
Process foods such as cookies, cakes, and potato chips can irritate your gums causing them to bleed. If you notice that your gums are easily irritated after eating processed foods, it may be a contributing factor to bleeding gums. Instead, opt for foods that are great for oral health. Fruits, vegetables, and foods that contain calcium, magnesium, vitamin C and vitamin D promote optimal gum health.
If you notice that your gums are bleeding, it is best to make an appointment with your dentist. In the meantime, work on improving your oral health habits. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to prevent your gums from irritation and bleeding. This means brushing minimally twice a day and flossing daily.
