It has happened to the best of us: we are flossing & brushing & then—oh no, is that blood? Bleeding gums can be alarming, & though most of the time it is not a huge deal, it is a signal that there may be something to be addressed underneath the gumline surface.
Plaque Attack
The most common cause is inflamed or irritated gums, which are typically the result of built up plaque. Plaque is a sticky, bacteria-filled film that settles underneath the gumline. If left untreated, it can easily harden into tartar & not only increase bleeding but increase your risk of periodontitis. Fortunately, this can usually be avoided with regular brushing, flossing & professional dental cleanings.
On the flip side, brushing or flossing too hard can also be a cause of bleeding gums. Using a toothbrush with bristles that are too rough or brushing too aggressively can lead to inflammation. Similarly, flossing improperly in a way that cuts into your gums will also irritate them & cause bleeding. Even dental appliances, like dentures or retainers, can contribute to gum irritation if they don’t fit properly & constantly rub against your gumline.
Beyond the Brush
Aside from the typical culprits tied to dental care, sometimes bleeding gums can be a reflection of other health reasons. Such reasons include blood-clotting disorders, serious vitamin C or vitamin K deficiencies, or chronic stress. Even things like hormonal changes or poor diet can increase chances of your gums bleeding. Processed or sugary or starchy foods are more likely to get stuck in between your teeth & accrue plaque buildup.
Dentist Intervention
Most cases of minor gum bleeding can be remedied with better oral hygiene practice or adjusting diet, but in more extreme cases, it would be wise to make an appointment with your dentist. Some warning signs include bleeding that continues even after two weeks of improved home care or gums that are deeply red, swollen or pulling away from the teeth.
In these more serious cases, your dentist may recommend antibiotics, some deep cleaning or professional scaling & root-planing to remove tartar below the gumline. In the most extreme of cases where there may be pockets in your gums, surgery may be needed.
In general, bleeding gums are essentially your mouth’s way of waving a red flag. Most of the time it is something that can be fixed with better brushing, flossing & a check-in with your dentist. But in other cases, it may be a signal for a more serious issue & it is always better to catch an issue sooner than later. When in doubt, always consult your dentist!
Sources
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24908-bleeding-gums
https://www.deltadentalwa.com/blog/entry/2018/08/causes-bleeding-gums
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003062.htm