Bleeding Gums? What It Could Mean and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

Bleeding Gums? What It Means and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

You finish brushing your teeth, rinse, and spit into the sink. Instead of clear water or white foam, you see a streak of pink or red. For many people, this is a daily occurrence, often dismissed as the result of brushing too hard or perhaps using a new piece of floss. However, healthy gums generally do not bleed. Understanding the cause of the bleeding is the first step toward resolving it. Whether it’s a simple hygiene fix or a symptom of a deeper health issue, addressing bleeding gums early can save your teeth and protect your general well-being.

Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

The most frequent reason for bleeding gums is the accumulation of plaque at the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth throughout the day. If not removed through brushing and flossing, this bacteria irritates the gum tissue, leading to inflammation. This early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. Beyond plaque buildup, there are several other causes:

Aggressive Brushing

Many people believe that scrubbing harder results in cleaner teeth. In reality, aggressive brushing can traumatize the delicate gum tissue, causing recession and bleeding. Using a toothbrush with hard or medium bristles often exacerbates this problem. Dentists almost universally recommend soft-bristled brushes to clean effectively without damaging the gums.

A New Flossing Routine

If you haven’t flossed in a while and suddenly start again, your gums might bleed. This is usually a reaction to the stimulation and the removal of bacteria lodged between the teeth. Typically, this type of bleeding subsides after a week of consistent, gentle flossing as the gums toughen up and become healthier.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy can increase blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and susceptible to plaque bacteria. “Pregnancy gingivitis” is a common condition where expectant mothers experience swollen, tender gums that bleed easily.

Medications

Certain prescription medications, particularly blood thinners, decrease the blood’s ability to clot. This can make bleeding gums more likely, even with gentle brushing.

When Bleeding Gums Signal Something Serious

Gingivitis is the most common of the bleeding gums causes, but sometimes this symptom indicates something more serious. Occasionally, bleeding gums are a sign of periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis affects the bone and tissue that support your teeth. As the gums pull away from the teeth, pockets form that become infected. If untreated, periodontitis leads to tooth loss. In rarer cases, bleeding gums can be a symptom of underlying issues such as a vitamin deficiency or blood disorder.

The Connection Between Gum Health and Overall Health

Most people don’t realize just how much the state of their gums can influence their general health. After all, the bacteria responsible for gum disease don’t always stay in the mouth. They can enter the bloodstream and potentially affect other systems in the body. Gum health is often connected to:

• Cardiovascular Health—Research suggests a link between gum disease and heart disease. The inflammation associated with periodontitis may contribute to the narrowing of arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• Diabetes—People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease, in part due to high blood sugar levels. Conversely, severe gum disease can increase blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control.

How to Stop Bleeding Gums and Improve Gum Health

Bleeding gums sometimes mean there’s a serious issue, and taking steps to stop the problem is essential. Addressing the issue usually takes a combination of professional care and adjustments to your daily routine. Here’s your step-by-step guide to improving your gum health:

1. Focus on Your Hygiene—Brush twice a day for two minutes using a soft-bristled brush. Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gums, using short, circular strokes rather than a back-and-forth sawing motion.
2. Floss Daily—Cleaning between your teeth removes plaque that your toothbrush cannot reach. If traditional floss is difficult to use, consider interdental brushes or a water flosser.
3. Use an Antiseptic Mouthwash—An antiseptic mouthwash can help reduce plaque and kill bacteria that cause gum disease. Ask your general dentist for recommendations.
4. Quit Smoking—Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for gum disease. Smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off gum infections.
5. Try Home Remedies—A few home remedies might relieve some of the bleeding. Try a saltwater rinse or cold compress, but don’t use them as a substitute for dental care.
6. Schedule Regular Cleanings—Professional dental cleanings remove tartar (hardened plaque) that you cannot remove at home. Most dentists recommend a check-up and cleaning every six months.

When Bleeding Gums Require Prompt Medical Attention

Occasional bleeding from brushing too hard is usually not an emergency. However, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist if:

• Your gums bleed every day despite good oral hygiene.
• Your teeth look longer than they used to, or the gums are pulling away from the teeth.
• Your teeth feel loose.
• You see discharge between the teeth and gums.
• You have persistent bad breath.
• You notice a change in your bite alignment.

Helping You Achieve a Healthier Smile

Bleeding gums are common, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Oftentimes, they’re a signal from your body that something is wrong. You can always see an emergency dentist for bleeding gums, but your best bet is to adjust your hygiene routine and keep up with regular dental check-ups. The team at Associates for General Dentistry is here to help, even if you haven’t seen a dentist in a while. Contact our Arlington Heights, IL office to schedule an appointment.