Are your gums bleeding or inflamed? Don't panic. It's common and usually treatable with a dentist's help. There are six main reasons why your gums may be bleeding when you eat or brush your teeth, so let's break them down.
Gum Disease
Gum Disease or Gingivitis is the main cause of bleeding gums. Signs of gingivitis include:
- Puffy Gums
- Redness around the gum line
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a more significant gum condition known as periodontal disease. In time, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, but brushing and flossing regularly can help prevent gum disease from developing.
Health Conditions
Some health problems, including vitamin deficiencies and generalised bleeding disorders can cause bleeding gums. If you have such as disorder, tell your doctor about any new bleeding so they can make sure there's no underlying issue. Hormone changes, such as during pregnancy can increase inflammation around the gums, which might cause bleeding. Luckily this type of bleeding is usually temporary- just make sure you maintain good oral hygiene.
Medications
Certain medications can make you more prone to bleeding. Medicines that might cause bleeding gums include:
- Antiplatelet drugs eg. Aspirin
- Beta-blockers
- Immunosuppressants
- Warfarin
Don't stop taking medicine without speaking to your doctor, but make them aware of your situation.
Brushing your teeth too hard can cause your gums to bleed.
Brushing Technique
It's great to brush your teeth twice a day- in fact, it's recommended. however the gum tissue is delicate and brushing too hard might cause some bleeding. Make sure you're using gentle circular motions rather than aggressive back and forth movements.
Dental Surgery
Have you recently had oral surgery such as wisdom tooth removal? It's not uncommon for gums to bleed as part of the healing process, but contact your dentist if it's heavy or especially painful.
Dentures and Braces
If your dentures or braces don't fit properly, they'll irritate the gum tissue. Your dentist can adjust these devices, so make an appointment if your dentures or braces are too tight or loose.
Treating Bleeding Gums
Treatment depends on the underlying problem, but here are some tips for managing the condition.
- Book professional cleaning twice annually at your dentist
- Switch to an electric toothbrush for more effective cleaning
- Floss or use interdental brushes to remove food particles
Contact Sleep Dentistry Melbourne
If your gums are bleeding, book a dental examination to determine the cause. At Sleep Dentistry Melbourne, we can help restore your oral health. You can call us at (03) 9087 2683 or book an appointment here.
