By Introduction
According to Iqaluit Dental Clinic, most people think that they have gum disease when their gums are bleeding. However, that’s not the case at all. Your gums may bleed due to a multitude of reasons. Let’s check them all out and figure out the solutions.
The Causes
- Gingivitis – Gingivitis is a common reason for bleeding gums. More commonly known as gum disease, it occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease with symptoms like tender and swollen gums, redness, bad breath and in some cases bleeding gums during flossing or brushing.
Plaque buildup along the gum line can breed all sorts of nasty bacteria that lead to sensitive tooth or gum bleeding. If you have other symptoms of gingivitis, visit the dentist. At this early stage, gingivitis can be easily stopped and even reversed.
- Improper flossing – If your gum is bleeding after flossing when they have never bled before, it’s probably due to a new flossing routine or improper flossing technique. For instance, a bit of gum bleeding is normal if you have recently changed the frequency of flossing. This kind of gum bleeding should stop on its own and isn’t a reason for alarm.
However, you need to visit the dentist if the bleeding persists for a few days. Your gums may even bleed due to improper flossing techniques. Make sure to use waxed dental floss and glide it gently in a ‘C’ shape around each tooth. Don’t snap the floss into your gums to avoid bleeding and gum irritation.
- Medication – Some medications can cause gum bleeding or gum sensitivity. For instance, blood thinning medication can decrease the blood’s ability to clot and increase the risk of bleeding at the gum line. Other medications for blood pressure, birth control pills, aspirin and NSAIDs may also be responsible for bleeding gums. If your gums started to bleed after a change in medication, let your physician and dentist know about the issue and get a new prescription.
- Poor oral hygiene or new toothbrush – Even a temporary lapse in your remarkable oral hygiene can cause your gums to bleed. Research shows that even healthy gums can become diseased and bleed within just one day of lack of proper oral care. That’s why you need to be on top of your oral hygiene habits.
Always make sure to buy a soft-bristled brush and replace it after three or four months or when the bristles start showing signs of fraying. Hard bristles or brushing too hard can cause gum irritation and leave damage along the gum line. This exposes you to gum bleeding. Make sure to not brush too aggressively.
Conclusion
Iqaluit Dental Clinic suggests that you narrow down the cause of your bleeding gums and apply the appropriate solutions as necessary. Sometimes, it can be something as harmless as the wrong flossing technique while other times it might be the result of a serious issue like gum disease.
