Are Bleeding Gums Normal?

If you find blood on your toothbrush or dental floss after cleaning your teeth, don’t panic. A little bit of blood is not always a sign of a problem like gingivitis. Of course, anytime you notice changes in your oral health like bleeding gums, it is important to see your Raleigh or Goldsboro, NC dentist. Such signs can indicate a treatable problem when caught early. Your Carolina Dental Arts dentist also has the ability to find signs of issues early, well before they cause discomfort or bleeding.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

There are multiple reasons why your gums may bleed. We explore some of those reasons for bleeding gums, below.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is often a cause of bleeding gums. Not brushing or flossing your teeth as you should can enable bacteria to build up in your mouth. This inflames your gums, making them red. It also makes them more prone to bleeding when you brush or floss. Although bleeding does not always mean you have gum disease, poor oral hygiene is a definite cause of gingivitis and its more advanced form, periodontitis.

Brushing or Flossing Too Hard

When you brush or floss your teeth, do you apply too much pressure? Do you use a hard bristled toothbrush? Switching to a soft bristled toothbrush is an immediate change you can make to improve your gum health and reduce potential for bleeding gums. A soft bristled brush is sufficient for cleaning your teeth. It can help reduce your potential for gum inflammation and also receding gums.

Gingivitis

One of the most common symptoms of gingivitis is bleeding gums. Also called gum disease, this condition occurs because of plaque building along your gum line. With the increased bacteria, the gums become irritated, red and swollen. However, gingivitis is treatable by your dentist and through improved oral hygiene.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is advanced gum disease. This long-term oral health problem can damage the tissues and bones in your mouth. Your gums can become very irritated and pull away from teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. This condition also causes bleeding gums from the irritation.

Pregnancy

Almost half of pregnant women develop a condition of bleeding gums called pregnancy gingivitis. This type of gum disease occurs because of the hormonal changes of pregnancy. Increased progesterone in your body causes greater sensitivity to plaque. At the same time, it enables bacteria to more easily grow on your teeth and gums. If you notice blood on your toothbrush or your gums appear red and irritated, schedule a visit with Carolina Dental Arts.

Medications

Some medications increase the potential for bleeding gums. Prescribed blood thinners and aspirin are two such medications. This is why it is always important to inform your dentist of medication changes and those you take on a regular basis.

How to Get Rid of Bleeding Gums

The best tips for improving your gum health and reducing your potential for bleeding gums include:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Using a fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing daily
• Visiting your dentist every six months or as recommended
• Rinsing your mouth with hydrogen peroxide after brushing, spitting it out after rinsing
• Increasing your intake of vitamins C and K

Schedule a Visit with Carolina Dental Arts

If you have bleeding gums and the condition does not improve within a week with good oral hygiene, call Carolina Dental Arts. Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to find signs of underlying problems. To remove built-up plaque and tartar from your teeth and along your gum line, they can also provide a deep cleaning.

With locations in Goldsboro and Raleigh, NC, Carolina Dental Arts provides all of the dental services you need to maintain a healthy and gorgeous smile. Schedule your next Raleigh Dentist or Goldsboro Dentist visit today.