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August 29, 2023 4 min read
Should I worry if my gums start to bleed? Yes, you should! Gums are not supposed to bleed. While you may experience rare cases of minor, temporary bleeding, such as when using dental floss for the first time or accidentally biting into hard food, consistent or frequent gum bleeding is a sign of an underlying issue and is not normal.
When your gum bleeds, it could be from aggressive brushing, using a toothbrush with hard bristles, or an underlying medical condition. However, in most cases, it is often an early indicator of gum disease, specifically gingivitis. Here, we will discuss everything you need to know about gum bleeding, from its causes to potential risks, and offer oral hygiene tips to prevent gum bleed.
The simple reason why your gum is bleeding is because of inadequate brushing, flossing, and rinsing. These three processes help remove plaque and any food particles that may get stuck between your teeth and gumline. However, when you do not brush, floss, or rinse the mouth properly, it will cause dental plaque and tartar to accumulate along the gum line and cause your gum tissues to become inflamed. The result is that you may become prone to gum diseases like gingivitis, which causes gum bleeding.
If you always prioritize your oral health, then your gum bleeding may be an error on your part. For instance, most people use toothbrushes with hard bristles while applying excessive force during brushing. Aggressive brushing causes trauma to your teeth and gum line. Due to this trauma, gum bleeding may occur spontaneously. In the same way, if you are not accustomed to flossing, you may floss too forcefully and induce gum bleeding.
In most cases, the underlying cause of bleeding gums is gum disease, especially when gum bleeding has become a regular occurrence. The best way to accurately determine the cause of your gum bleeding is to schedule a visit with your dentist. A dentist will perform a comprehensive assessment of your oral health to identify your individual gum disease causes and offer guidance on the best way to care for gum health in case of gum diseases.
Absolutely! Ignoring gum bleeding can significantly impact your oral health and overall well-being. As earlier mentioned, gum bleeding that occurs frequently may be an early sign of gum diseases like gingivitis. If you experience this frequent blood flow from your mouth and neglect it, it can advance into periodontal disease (a more severe gum disease). An adverse effect of housing such disease in your oral cavity is it may cause deeper infections that make the bone supporting your teeth weaken. Eventually, you may end up losing some teeth.
Gum bleeding can also cause you discomfort. Your gums and teeth may feel painful, swell and sensitive, making chewing and eating challenging. This affects your ability to enjoy food. Hence, you may avoid eating and lack proper nutrition. More than this, the bacteria that cause your gum to bleed can contribute to chronic bad breath, which impacts your self-confidence to hold social interactions.
Most healthcare providers advise early intervention when people experience discomforting sensations in their bodies to avoid higher treatment costs and avoid the possibility of invasive surgical processes. However, most people label gum bleeding as normal and end up spending more on dental treatments in the long run. Ultimately, the simple fact is that ignoring a bleeding gum may diminish your quality of life.
Gum bleeding, however common it may be, is not normal. Once you notice your gum bleed, it could be because you are not prioritizing your oral health. So, start by changing your oral habits. Follow these oral hygiene tips to stop your gum from bleeding:
• Buy soft-bristled toothbrushes that are gentle on your gums. Hard bristles can irritate and worsen gum bleeding.
• Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
• Avoid brushing too hard, as this can harm your gums. Instead, use gentle pressure and brush in circular motions.
• Clean every part of your teeth, including your gumline.
• Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and gently brush in short back-and-forth strokes.
• Floss daily using a water flosser of traditional floss to remove food particles in between your teeth.
• Be gentle when flossing to avoid worsening the irritation. If traditional flossing feels painful when you floss, consider using a water flosser.
• Use an antimicrobial mouthwash after brushing and flossing. It can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and help you avoid gum disease.
• Drink water regularly to rinse away food particles and bacteria that promote a dirty oral environment.
• f you smoke or use tobacco products, consider quitting, as it can contribute to gum disease.
Conclusion
Gum bleeding is far from being a trivial issue. It is an early warning sign that urges you to take action to safeguard your oral health. Ignoring this key symptom can not only make gingivitis progress to periodontitis but also causes you to lose your teeth, which affects your self-confidence in social settings and lead to excessive treatment cost. The good news is that with timely intervention and consistent oral care, you can prevent gum disease from worsening. This way, you can maintain a healthy body and confident smile wherever you are.
