Help! My Gums Are Bleeding!

Do you notice blood-- a bit of red or pink--when you spit out your toothpaste after brushing? Or do you find that your dental floss contains blood after you finish cleaning your teeth? If the answer to the above questions is a yes, then chances are that you are suffering from an underlying dental or medical problem. Although a very small amount of blood may not be any reason to be alarmed, if your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth, then it is a matter you must not take lightly.

Why Gums Bleed During Brushing?

You may wonder why your gums are bleeding in the first place? Here are some of the situations which can cause gum bleeding:

Gum Inflammation

The main reason behind gum bleeding is gum inflammation, which is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar deposits on your teeth and around your gums. Harmful bacteria which cause teeth cavities and periodontal disease find plaque and tartar deposits as ideal places for growth and breeding. When the bacteria grow in number, they utilize sugars from the plaque and tartar and release harmful metabolic products which result in an inflammation of the gums. This condition is clinically visible in the form of swollen, red and bleeding gums.

Medical Conditions and Medication

Some chronic medical conditions such as kidney problems, vitamin C deficiency, and diabetes can also result in gum inflammation, which manifests in the form of bleeding while brushing or flossing. Furthermore, certain medications can also cause gum bleeding.

Hormonal Changes

Some women also observe that their gums become sensitive and swollen during pregnancy, and they tend to bleed while brushing or flossing. Similarly, some women may have gum bleeding during menstruation.

Is it Normal for gums to bleed while brushing?

As discussed earlier, occasional minor bleeding from gums while brushing or flossing is not something to be worried about. However, if you feel that your gums bleed every time your brush, then it is a cause for concern as it may be an indication of a more serious underlying medical or dental problems.

How to Stop Gum Bleeding?

If you suffer from gum bleeding, then the following measures can help alleviate:

Oral Hygiene Maintenance

Since poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum problems and bleeding, maintaining your oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing/cleaning between your teeth --can help you get rid of the inflammation.

Professional Teeth Cleaning

When plaque and tartar deposits have formed on your teeth, it’s virtually impossible to remove them through brushing or flossing. The only option available now to remove them is professional teeth cleaning. Teeth cleaning involves the use of hand instruments and/or ultrasonic scaling instruments which remove the plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth. The cleaned teeth are then polished at the end of the procedure to slow down chances of re-attachment of plaque and tartar. Some patients may be anxious or nervous about visiting an oral health care provider-- which is why they don't visit. Relax-- help is at hand… just speak to your oral health care provider for solutions.

Eating Healthy

Eating tooth-friendly foods can go a long way in ensuring that you maintain pearly white teeth and healthy, pink gums throughout life.

Visit your Health Care Provider

 If the above-mentioned measures do not prove successful in treating the gum inflammation, then your gum problem might be because of an underlying medical problem. Moreover, certain medications for high blood pressure or seizures can also cause gum inflammation. Visit your GP so that an in-depth evaluation of the underlying cause can be made.