You aren't alone if you've wondered, "Why do my gums bleed every time I brush my teeth?" There are several causes of it but we will talk about the most common ones and what to do about the bleeding.
Dental Plaque
Dental plaque irritates the gums. Plaque is made up of millions of bacteria that attaches to your teeth throughout the night and day. It begins as sticky film and it hardens into calculus, or tartar. Plaque and calculus trigger your immune system to react and cause inflammation in the gums which are prone to bleeding. Pregnant women are prone to bleeding gums due to changes in hormones. Women, who are taking birth control pills with hormones the same as the ones produced during pregnancy, may also experience bleeding gums.
Gum Disease
Without proper treatment, dental plaque will cause your gums to separate from the teeth. It will result in pocket or gap formation between the gums and teeth allowing bacteria to get trapped in the pockets. The dental plaque will now turn into tartar.Tartar is a common cause of periodontitis or gum disease. It is linked to serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Uncontrolled tartar buildup can cause tooth decay and gum disease. If not treated, they could lead to permanent tooth loss.
What to do About Bleeding Gums
You should improve your oral hygiene routine to reduce the inflammation of the gums.First, begin by brushing your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush. We prefer electric toothbrushes such as Sonicare, but a manual toothbrush will be sufficient as well. Brush your teeth for two minutes before rinsing. When you brush, make sure that you clean the front, back, and chewing surfaces. Also angle the toothbrush bristles gently towards the gums, giving your gums a little massage. This will help reduce the inflammation of the gums.Second, do not forget to floss. It is the most effective way to remove plaque found between your teeth. When you floss, make sure that you curve it in a "c" shape to effectively clean this area. Flossing must be done at least once a day. But you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day. If you can, consider brushing after every meal.
Regular Teeth Cleaning
You must also visit your dentist for regular cleaning. Professional dental cleaning will help remove plaque buildup that your brush and floss cannot reach. When you visit your dentist at Dentistry of Arizona, we will check your teeth and gums to know more about why you have bleeding gums. Our hygienist may give you a refresher course on the proper way to brush your teeth to prevent gums from bleeding. Oral hygiene is vital to stop your gums from bleeding and to avoid gum disease. Make an appointment with us to better know why your gums are bleeding. It could be that you have a certain medical condition or you just need a professional dental cleaning. Keep in mind that some people are more likely to experience gum disease than others. If you are one of them, then make sure to visit your dentist regularly and have your teeth and gums checked by a dental professional. Call us today to schedule an appointment and help you resolve your bleeding gums.
