Why Do I Have Bleeding Gums?

When you feel like you’ve done everything right – brushing for 2 minutes and flossing daily – seeing blood in the sink after spitting can be startling. 

Your gums are bleeding again, and you have no idea why. 

Bleeding gums are a common dental issue, and while some causes are harmless, it is important to know that bleeding gums are not normal and should never be ignored.

Below you’ll learn what bleeding gums mean and what you can do about it to take control of your oral health.

What Causes Bleeding Gums? 

From improper brushing techniques to medical conditions, bleeding gums can be triggered by a variety of issues. 

As you go through this article, ask yourself each question to discover the most probable cause of your bleeding gums and steps you can take to stop the bleeding. 

Do You Have Gum Disease?

Gum disease is the main oral condition that causes gums to bleed and occurs due to a buildup of plaque. This plaque is filled with harmful bacteria that begins to irritate gums, causing swelling, soreness, and bleeding. 

Gum disease is a progressive condition. In its earliest stage, known as gingivitis, symptoms include bad breath and bleeding gums. If left untreated it will develop into periodontitis, a very serious health issue that impacts oral and overall health negatively.

Gum disease starts off very mildly, making it both easy to ignore and very dangerous all at once. 

How To Get Rid of Gum Disease?

Fighting gum disease requires intervention from a dental professional. A dentist will want to start treatment immediately to keep the condition from getting worse.

Are You Brushing Your Teeth Tooth Hard?

As an emergency dentist in Long Beach, the first thing we ask patients with bleeding gums is if they are using the proper brushing technique.

Many people believe that scrubbing their teeth vigorously will give them better results, but this is not true. Gums are extremely sensitive and overbrushing your teeth can cause irritation and bleeding.

How To Brush Teeth Without Irritating Gums?

The first adjustment to make is a mental one. Brushing your teeth is about removing food debris and bacteria in the mouth, not getting teeth white. This means that the amount of pressure applied by a toothbrush is irrelevant to the outcome of a clean mouth. 

Touch your toothbrush bristles to your teeth – this is all the pressure required for effective cleaning! Next, brush in a circular motion instead of back and forth strokes. 

When a circular motion is used, toothbrush bristles get in between teeth better and you reduce the chance of gum damage, irritation, and recession.

Are You Using the Wrong Toothbrush?

Similar to improper technique, we find that patients buy hard- or firm-bristled toothbrushes, believing that rougher bristles will equal cleaner teeth. 

If you are using a hard/firm toothbrush, the stiff bristles increase the likelihood of irritated gums, and may be the cause of your bleeding gums.

What Is the Right Toothbrush for Your Teeth?

Everyone should have a toothbrush with soft bristles for daily brushing. 

Medium bristles are best for the removal of difficult plaque buildup and stain removal every now and then. However, if you are sure that you have no oral sensitivities, a medium bristle brush can be used more frequently, even daily.

Hard bristles are for dentures, not for living gum tissue. 

Have You Recently Started Flossing?

Introducing flossing to your oral care routine can lead to bleeding gums. It isn’t something that comes naturally to everyone, and incorrect, rough flossing can leave behind gums that are cut and irritated, as well as cause them to recede. 

How To Floss Correctly to Prevent Bleeding Gums?

Weave floss up and down the curves of each tooth, always flossing gently and intentionally. After a week of flossing regularly, your gums should no longer bleed. 

Are You Taking Blood Thinning Medication?

Because blood thinners make it harder for blood to clot, gums can bleed much easier. Always let your dentist know about the medications you are on during every appointment. 

If gums are bleeding excessively, get in contact with us as soon as you can. 

Do You Wear Dentures That Don’t Fit Correctly?

Dentures that fit poorly can scratch your gums and cause sores, both of which will cause gum bleeding. Those who wear their dentures throughout the night, instead of removing them, are especially susceptible to bleeding gums.

What is the Right Way to Wear Dentures? 

If dentures are removable, take them out a night. It is crucial to clean your dentures and teeth thoroughly to keep inflammation and plaque buildup far away. 

Have You Been Stressed Lately?

Stress and anxiety compromise the immune system, making it harder for your body to defend against gum disease. Inflammation is also caused by stress, which prevents gums from healing. If your body is currently battling gingivitis, it may stop fighting the disease during times of high stress and you may experience bleeding gums. 

Though stress does not directly cause bleeding gums, it does contribute to it a good deal more than most people realize. 

When Should I See a Long Beach Dentist About My Bleeding Gums?

Most of the time when gums bleed, there isn’t much blood, and the problem resolves itself quickly. If you have made the necessary changes and notice that your gums are still bleeding, tender or swollen more than a few days every month, it is time for a dentist appointment. 

For bleeding gums, a dentist may recommend deep cleanings or a physician if underlying health problems are suspected to be the cause. 

Do You Need a Dentist for Bleeding Gums in Long Beach?

While most people will experience bleeding gums at some point, it is not something to get used to. Though it may be easy to overlook now, ignoring your gum health can lead to serious dental issues down the line.

Don’t take any chances when it comes to your gum health. Bleeding gums are a sign that something is wrong. Even if you follow the best oral care routine, seek professional help if your gums will not stop bleeding. 

Are you dealing with bleeding gums but are unsure of the cause? Learn more about the many causes of this condition, available treatment options and home remedies at Dentist of Long Beach when you come in for a consultation. Contact us at (562) 373-0026 to schedule an appointment today!