Do your gums bleed after you brush and floss your teeth? There could be many causes of your bleeding gums, with the most common being gingivitis. However, there are several reasons why you may experience bleeding gums, even when you aren’t brushing or flossing. Here we will review some causes of bleeding gums and how we address this problem in our Cockeysville, MD dental office.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
There are multiple possible causes of bleeding and irritated gums, including:
Aggressive Brushing
If you brush your teeth too hard, over time, you can develop bleeding gums and gum recession. Abrasive toothpaste, especially whitening toothpaste, can also contribute to sensitive teeth and gums. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste keeps the teeth and gums healthy and can prevent bleeding gums.
Medications
There are certain medications that increase the likelihood of bleeding gums. Blood pressure medications, birth control, blood thinners, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can leave patients prone to more sensitive or irritated gums. Sometimes, patients who take these medications may be more prone to
Faulty Dental Restoration
If you have a removable denture that does not fit properly, you can experience bleeding gums. The denture lays on top of the gums and does not support the health of the gum or bone tissue in the jaw. If a denture is uncomfortable and does not feel right, please contact your dentist. You can also receive an implant-secured denture.
Gum Disease
Bleeding gums are an early sign of gum disease and usually indicate gingivitis or gum inflammation. As bacteria build on the gum line, it hardens to form tartar or calculus. Harmful bacteria irritate and inflame the gum tissue. Patients who do not floss frequently can experience bleeding gums when they brush their teeth. If you have just started flossing again, continue to floss once a day. Your gums should stop bleeding once you floss daily.
Prevent Bleeding Gums in Cockeysville, MD
Contact our office if you notice bleeding gums that do not go away with regular brushing and flossing. Visiting the dentist on a regular basis can remove plaque and tartar that often causes bleeding gums. If there are any medications that interfere with your oral health, please let our office know for accommodation. We may recommend more frequent dental visits for patients who have chronic problems with bleeding gums. If you have a faulty restoration or brush aggressively, we can help plan a new restoration and provide recommendations on types of toothbrushes and toothpaste for your smile.
Do you often experience bleeding, and painful gums? Get the treatment you need today. Schedule a dental appointment with us on our website. You can also call Valley Dental Health at 410.803.5587. Let us know if you have questions about gum health at your next visit. We’re always here to help.