Have you ever brushed or flossed your teeth and noticed your gums bleeding? Did you shrug it off as if to say it was “normal?” The reality is, with optimal oral health, bleeding is in fact NOT normal.
What Could Cause My Gums to Bleed?
Your gums could be bleeding for a number of reasons and although it is not “normal,” it is actually quite common. The cause could be something as simple as poor home care or can be related to an underlying health condition so it’s important to get some answers. Some of the more common causes related to bleeding gums include:
- Poor home care
- Aggressive brushing/flossing
- Certain medications
- Stress
- Poor diet
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Certain cancers
- Gingivitis
- Pregnancy gingivitis
- Periodontal disease
What Should I Do If My Gums Bleed?
Practicing good home care is essential to maintaining healthy gums. A good brushing and flossing routine is crucial. Use a soft bristle (preferably electric) toothbrush and brush your teeth and gums gently for a full two minutes each time. Be sure to schedule regular visits with your dentist and hygienist and voice any concerns regarding the health of your gums. Your oral health care provider may recommend more frequent and/or “deeper” cleanings if you are showing signs of gingivitis or worse, periodontal disease. Eat right and exercise and experiment with additional stress reducing activities such as yoga or meditation. It’s very important to address your bleeding gums and get to the root cause. Consult your dentist or health care provider if your condition persists or does not improve.