Is It Normal for My Gums to Bleed After Brushing?

Most adults will experience some degree of bleeding from their gums during their lifetime. There are many different reasons why they may be bleeding, and some are more serious than others. It would help if you always visited your dentist to find the underlying cause.

 

• Poor Oral Hygiene Habits

Keeping up with your teeth is extremely important, as poor oral hygiene can lead to more severe diseases. Biting nails or chewing pencils, drinking coffee or red wine.

You should always brush your teeth for a full two minutes. It would help if you brush twice daily and floss at least once daily. This helps reduce plaque, which will prevent gingivitis and swollen gums.

• Incorrect/rough brushing technique

Many people brush their teeth extremely vigorously, believing it to be the best way to get them as clean as possible. However, our gums are susceptible, so catching them while brushing hard can irritate them and cause them to bleed.

Brushing in a circular motion is also better for avoiding damage and gum recession.

• You’re brushing too hard.

Daily flossing and twice-daily brushing are essential to maintaining a healthy mouth. But using too much force when cleaning your teeth and gums can damage your gums, causing the gum line to erode. Many choose toothbrushes with firm/stiff bristles, thinking that greater abrasiveness will help clean the teeth. Signs of receding gums include soreness and bleeding, left untreated, and they can eventually lead to tooth loss. They are more likely to damage the enamel on your teeth and irritate your gums. Instead, opt for soft or medium bristles.

 

• Incorrect flossing technique

Flossing doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and using the wrong technique can cut the gum or cause it to recede. It would be best if you always flossed gently, working your way up and down by following the curve of each tooth.

 

• Gum disease

Gum disease is a significant contributor to tooth loss and one of the primary causes of bleeding gums. Gum disease is also one of the most common reasons for someone to experience bleeding gums. It is a progressive condition that requires professional intervention and treatment as soon as possible to prevent it from worsening.

 

 

• Not Eating Well

If you are not putting nutritious foods into your body, this could be a cause of poor oral health. Processed foods can sometimes irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. Make sure you eat a healthy and balanced diet of lots of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium are vital for oral health. Try eating a higher intake of foods with these components.

 

• Stress

Sometimes, bleeding gums can be caused by something other than your oral health or hygiene. Stress takes a severe toll on your immune system. A weaker immune system makes it harder for your body to fight gum disease, so if you are experiencing much stress in your life, you may be at a higher risk. Stress can also cause your blood vessels to become inflamed, which prevents your body from healing the damage caused by your bleeding gums.

 

When Should I See My Dentist?

 

If you have noticed blood in the sink when you brush your teeth on more than a few occasions in a month, then you should schedule an appointment with our dentist for a check-up. This is especially true if you are also experiencing bad breath or a slightly foul taste in your mouth.

 

Our dentist will be able to give your teeth a thorough examination to check the health of your gums. If you are diagnosed as being in the early stages of gum disease, your dentist will probably schedule you in for a professional clean which will remove any stubborn plaque. You will also be advised to keep your teeth as clean as possible to prevent reoccurrence.

 

You will likely need further dental treatment if your gum disease has advanced. Our dentist will be able to advise you what will happen next.

 

Recommended Healthy Habits:

 

It’s not easy breaking a bad habit, but the task becomes easier if you replace the bad habit with a healthy one. If you’re looking to get rid of some of your bad habits, here are some healthy habits you can adapt to:

– Brushing twice a day

– Flossing regularly

– Eating healthy foods and snacks that are low in sugar

– Chewing on some sugar-free gum instead of biting your nails or chewing on your pencil

– Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings

 

If you’d like more information on whether your habits could be harmful to your oral health, book an appointment with Clove dental.

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