Though most of us experience a little bit of bleeding gums after brushing or flossing now and then, it’s not something that should just be ignored, especially if it’s happening frequently. Understanding why your gums bleed when brushing your teeth can provide a clearer picture of what your oral health is truly like. Arise Dental, a premier Tyler TX dentist, helps patients identify and address this common issue, so read on for further insight.
Are Bleeding Gums Normal?
One common misconception about why your gums bleed when brushing your teeth is that it simply means you brushed too hard. While this might be the case every now and then, it’s actually really challenging to brush so hard that you cause bleeding if your gums and teeth are typically healthy. Therefore, it’s vital to pay close attention to when and how often your gums bleed so you can have a conversation with your Tyler TX dentist about it.
Common Causes of Bleeding Gums
There are several significant reasons why your gums bleed when brushing your teeth, and they all deserve your careful consideration. Here are a few of those reasons.
- Gum Disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis)
Gingivitis is essentially inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can happen for a variety of reasons, including the buildup of plaque near the gum line, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when the inflammation spreads to the bone or the deeper gum tissue. It can cause the gums to pull away from the tooth, potentially leading to tooth loss. What are the symptoms of gingivitis and periodontitis? Bleeding, of course, is one symptom of gingivitis and periodontitis. Other symptoms of gum disease include redness, swelling, and halitosis (bad breath). If you have these symptoms, this warrants an immediate call to your Tyler TX dentist so you can get in for treatment and deep cleaning. - Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene can be a reason why your gums bleed when brushing. Not brushing twice a day or flossing once a day can cause plaque buildup and gum irritation. Also, missing bi-annual dental cleanings can lead to further inflammation and disease. - Brushing or Flossing Too Hard
Many people think the harder they scrub, the cleaner their teeth get. This is simply not the case. Though this is a rare occurrence, occasionally brushing or flossing your teeth too forcefully could be a reason why your gums bleed when brushing your teeth. It’s important to use a soft-bristled brush to gently but thoroughly clean your teeth. Flossing, again carefully but fully, once a day with traditional floss or a water flosser, will also help keep gum inflammation at bay. - Vitamin Deficiencies
Your parents always said to take your vitamins, and it turns out they’re right! Interestingly enough, one reason why your gums bleed when brushing might be tied to a deficiency is some vitamins, especially Vitamin C and K. Vitamin C strengthens your immune system nd connective tissues in your body, and Vitamin K is what helps your blood to clot. - Smoking or Tobacco Use
Of course, we all know that smoking causes bad breath, but did you know it also might explain why your gums bleed when brushing? Tobacco use:- weakens gum tissues caused by poor blood supply
- lowers the immune response and keeps the body from fighting off infection
- Causes more common and far more severe bone and tooth loss
Smokers’ mouths simply cannot fight off the inflammation like non-smokers can due to the hostile mouth environment. If you want to maintain good oral health (and increase your overall health as well), refrain from smoking (better yet, never start the habit).
- Hormonal Changes
Hormones can certainly affect gum sensitivity. Many women find that their gums bleed more than normal when they are pregnant, postpartum, or menopausal. - Certain Medications
There are certain medications you may be taking that could be a reason why your gums bleed when brushing. Some medications that might cause gum bleeding include:
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- Anticoagulants
- NSAIDS
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Chemotherapy drugs
- Birth control
- Blood pressure medicines
How Arise Dental Can Help
Bleeding gums are a sign to take action, not ignore, and the first step is to call your Tyler TX dentist. Arise Dental is here to help you discover why your gums bleed when brushing and what you can do about it. We offer:
- Preventive care: regular cleanings and checkups.
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) if needed.
- Personalized guidance on at-home oral care.
- Nutritional and lifestyle recommendations.
Healthy gums are achievable with the right care. Contact Arise Dental and start your journey to the healthiest gums possible!