My Gums Are Bleeding! What Does That Mean?

Do you notice that your gums bleed easily? When you are brushing and flossing your teeth you might notice a slight pink tint when you rinse your mouth or you might experience extreme bleeding from time to time. Although bleeding gums are something that many patients experience at some point, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the reason behind the bleeding. It is also important to be mindful of how often you experience bleeding gums as it can be a symptom of a more serious condition that might need professional treatment. To understand more about bleeding gums and the possible causes, continue reading.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

It is not uncommon for gums to bleed from time to time. However, if it happens frequently or there is a considerable amount of blood, it can be cause for concern and a visit to our office. There are many different reasons why your gums might be bleeding, so it is important to determine the cause to remedy the issue. Common causes of bleeding gums include:

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
If you are using a toothbrush with stiff bristles or brush too hard and vigorously, you can be causing your gums harm. If you are under the impression that you need to brush your teeth as hard as you can, you are causing considerable damage to your gums and your tooth enamel. On the other hand, if you do not brush frequently enough, at least twice a day, you can also cause your gums to bleed. When flossing, it is important to hug your teeth with the floss and gently press the floss along the gumline. Pushing the floss too hard into the gum line can cause tears and create bleeding issues.

Gum Disease
This is one of the more common diseases that is associated with bleeding gums. Gingivitis, the beginning stage of gum disease, typically causes bleeding gums due to the buildup of plaque and bacteria along the gumline. If not treated in a timely fashion, this can progress into a more serious issue.

Additional causes also include:

• Medications
• Pregnancy
• Smoking
• Hormonal changes
• Vitamin deficiency

If you are concerned about your bleeding gums or feel that it happens too frequently, be sure to call our office located in Montgomery, AL to schedule an appointment. We would rather detect a problem in the early stages than after something more severe occurs. We will see you in the office soon!

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