You spit out the toothpaste and notice there’s a bit of pink in your sink. It happens again the next morning, and then the one after. It’s easy to dismiss and move on, literally, and think you’re just brushing a bit too hard. Sometimes it’s exactly that too, but often, bleeding gums are a sign of an underlying gum condition, and worth looking into rather than working around.
What it Generally Means
In many cases, bleeding gums usually point to inflammation in the gums, generally caused by plaque (the soft, often colourless film of bacteria that accumulates along the gumline). This can irritate the gum tissues, causing them to bleed easily, even with gentle cleaning.
Inflammation of the Gums (Gingivitis)
This is often a phase many people go through, and while it can be resolved, it’s important to get it sorted out before it becomes a long term or recurring problem. You may find you gums bleed at times, especially when brushing or flossing, and that they’re a little inflamed, swollen or red in appearance. Luckily, the bone and other structures in your mouth aren’t generally affected at this stage.
Could It Be From Brushing Too Hard?
It’s possible! A hard brush, brushing too firmly or aggressively, or even a change in the way you brush can leave the gums inflamed and bleeding. This is particularly likely if you’ve made a change in your oral care regime or brushes, or haven’t been using the brush as directed. It tends to resolve itself quickly once the change is made and can be resolved entirely by working with your dentist. It’s a good idea to point it out to them as it can be similar to the signs of a more serious gum condition and can be mistaken for it.
When It Might Be Something More Serious
If you’re brushing gently and the issue persists, or you notice other changes such as receding gums, bad breath, loosening teeth or tender gums, this can be a sign of a more serious gum condition called periodontitis. At this stage, the underlying bones and structures can be affected and will require more involved treatment than just a change in your brushing habits.
Other Contributing Factors
There’s also a possibility you’re taking any medication that has gum side effects or are experiencing a hormone imbalance of some sort (e.g., during pregnancy). Smoking and other factors can also contribute.
Why Not to Brush It Away
It’s a natural reaction to brush more gently or to skip brushing altogether when your gums are bleeding, in an effort to avoid this happening. Unfortunately, this just encourages plaque to build up, which in turn aggravates the problem. Remember that bleeding gums are your body’s way of telling you something is wrong, not a reason to avoid a necessary part of your oral care routine.
When To See a Dentist
It can be a good idea to consult a dentist if:
- The bleeding persists after a week or two of gentle brushing
- Your gums are inflamed, swollen or bleed on a regular basis
- You notice any bad breath as well as bleeding gums
- Any of your teeth are loosening or your bite feels off
Professional Gum Help
Getting your gums cleaned professionally can help remove plaque and tartar (hard deposits of plaque), particularly from below the gum line, that could irritate your gums. This can usually clear things up, but if further intervention is required, a dentist can go over other options and the best course of action.
Bleeding gums are common, but it doesn’t mean you should ignore them just the same. Whether it’s a minor change in your brushing habits or an early indication of a serious gum condition, Mumtaj Dental Care will be able to determine the cause and work out the best way to deal with it.
