Understanding Why Gums Bleed

Gum health is an extremely important component of overall dental health. Actively preventing gum disease and tooth decay is the aim of everyday brushing and flossing and regular trips to the dentist. One common occurrence is bleeding gums. This is more common than many people realize and is not always indicative of a problem, but there are a number of oral health concerns that may manifest through bleeding gums. It’s important to understand when bleeding gums may be symptomatic of a larger dental problem. As you monitor your dental hygiene, pay attention to signs that could determine the cause of bleeding gums. Here are a few common reasons for bleeding gums and some effective solutions.

Poor Brushing & Flossing Habits

Regularly brushing and flossing and maintaining this schedule is important to protecting the teeth and gums. Gums are sensitive tissue that cover the jawbone and hold your teeth in place. Actively taking care of them by brushing and flossing twice a day will reduce the possibility of gum bleeding since the gums will not be traumatized after failing to brush or floss for a period. Poor teeth and gum cleaning is the most common reason for bleeding gums. If you don’t regularly floss and abruptly start again, the gums are likely to bleed.

Gingivitis

This is an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque buildup in the teeth and gums. This inflammation can be fairly common due to poor brushing and flossing habits, but can develop into a more serious problem when left unaddressed. This accumulation of bacteria between the teeth causes increased sensitivity in the gums and makes them more prone to bleeding. If you notice this inflammation and regular bleeding, see the dentist and make a serious effort to improve your brushing and flossing habits. Keep teeth and gums cleaner to prevent bleeding.

Periodontal Disease

A significantly more serious reason for regular bleeding gums is periodontal disease. This condition is a result of untreated gingivitis that leads to the gradual separation of the teeth from the gums. This is a serious dental problem that causes the tissue and bone that support the teeth to wear away. This disease can be easily prevented with good oral hygiene and is not something that just happens–it is progressive. Maintain good daily oral hygiene and make bi-yearly dental checkups.

Bleeding Disorders

These can be quite serious and are a result of blood failing to clot. Signs of this type of disorder may exhibit in the gums initially since the gums are brushed each day. You should see a dentist immediately if you suspect that a bleeding disorder is responsible for frequent gum bleeding. While rare, if the problem cannot be attributed to any other cause, a bleeding disorder could be to blame and should be addressed by a doctor.