Bleeding gums that occur during brushing or flossing -while can be alarming- is a common occurrence; sometimes the reason for this can be as simple as brushing or flossing too hard, however, sometimes the reasons are not as simple as all that. One of the main reasons for bleeding gums is plaque, which builds up on the teeth over time if not cared for properly. When plaque is left untreated it can lead to gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease that causes gum irritation and has bleeding gums as one of its symptoms among other things.
By daily removing the plaque on your teeth, you can easily prevent gingivitis. Other contributing factors to acquiring the disease are smoking, stress, hormonal imbalance, poor nutrition, medications, and chronic diseases.
Effective ways to help manage gingivitis include brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day with an anti-gingivitis toothpaste, using an anti-gingivitis mouthwash thoroughly and regularly, using a soft manual or electric toothbrush, flossing daily and visiting your dentist on a regular basis.
The best way to find out the cause of your bleeding gums is to book an appointment with a dental professional. Your dentist should be able to advise you on the best bleeding gums treatment according to your symptoms.
As mentioned before, some of the main causes for gingivitis is hormonal change or imbalance, a case that is closely associated with pregnancy due to the increase of progesterone in pregnant women. The hormone can lead to an increased blood flow to the gum tissue leading to sensitivity, swollenness, and bleeding while brushing or flossing. These hormonal changes can make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow and can make gum tissue more tender. While pregnancy gingivitis can occur anytime between the second and eight-month, it’s usually more severe during the second trimester.
Like standard gingivitis, controlling plaque is key in preventing problems with pregnancy gingivitis. A strict home care routine of proper and meticulous plaque removal should start even before you are pregnant. Not all oral care products are the same, so be sure to choose a toothpaste and mouthwash designed to treat plaque and gingivitis. Make sure you select a soft brush to use during the period of treating your gingivitis.
Blood-thinning medications may also cause your gums to bleed. If you think your bleeding gums might be due to medication, get in touch with your dentist.