Brushing too hard, poor oral hygiene, or gum disease could be one of the indicators of why your gums are bleeding. A dental visit can help you determine which causes your gums to bleed.
What are the common causes of bleeding gums?
- You might have gingivitis, a condition in which the gums become inflamed.
- Brushing too hard, or you are using a toothbrush with hard bristles
- You are not used to using floss
- Your gums inflamed when pregnant (pregnancy gingivitis).
- Do you have ill-fitting dentures?
- Faulty dental restorations.
Dental conditions that can cause bleeding gums:
Gingivitis is a condition that occurs when plaque remains on the gum line for an extended period. The debris and bacteria that adhere to your teeth are known as plaque. Plaque is removed by brushing your teeth, which can help you avoid cavities. Plaque may remain on your gum line if you don’t brush and floss properly. Gingivitis can also be caused by plaque buildup near your gums. Below are the symptoms of gingivitis:
- Puffy gums
- Burning sensation in the mouth and around the gums
- Bleeding gums
Periodontitis – When gingivitis progresses, periodontal disease can develop. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums, jawbone, and tissues that support your teeth and gums. Your teeth may loosen or fall out as a result of periodontitis.
Vitamins deficiencies – Vitamin C and K deficiency can cause bleeding gums. If you have bleeding gums caused by poor dental hygiene, ask your doctor to check your vitamin C and K levels. Eating healthy foods rich in nutrients will help you maintain being healthy.
Vitamin C-rich foods include:
- juices and citrus fruits
- broccoli
- strawberries
- tomatoes
- potatoes
- peppers (bell)
Vitamin K-rich foods include:
- watercress
- kale
- spinach
- Chard (Swiss chard)
- lettuce
- greens with a mustard flavour
- soybeans
- canola oil is a type of vegetable oil that comes from the
- extra virgin olive oil
What are other causes of bleeding gums?
- Denture wearers may also experience bleeding gums from time to time. When dentures are too tight, this is more likely to happen.
- See your Airdrie dentist if your gums are bleeding due to dentures or other oral appliances. To make a better-fitting mouthpiece, they may need to take new impressions.
- Gum bleeding is a common side effect of pregnancy. The gums can become more sensitive due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
- Gum bleeding can be exacerbated by bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and leukemia. If you take blood thinners, your gums may bleed more frequently. Warfarin, aspirin, and heparin are examples of this class of drugs.
What is the treatment of bleeding gums?
The first step in treating bleeding gums in Airdrie is to maintain good dental hygiene. Professional cleanings should be done twice a year at your dentist in Airdrie. If you have gingivitis, your dentist will tell you and show you how to brush your teeth properly. Brushing and flossing can help remove plaque from your gum line and lower your risk of periodontal disease. Your periodontist may also demonstrate using an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce plaque formation. A warm salt water rinse can also help to soothe swollen, bleeding gums. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush. It’ll be gentle on inflamed gums, especially if you’re prone to bleeding after brushing. Bristles with medium and hard bristles may be too abrasive for your gums. You might also want to think about getting an electric toothbrush. These toothbrushes have specially designed brush heads to help you clean your gum line more effectively than a manual toothbrush.
At Sierra Springs Dental, we are always ready to help you with your dental needs. Call us now at (403) 945-4555 to book an appointment. We love to see you smile!
