There are several different reasons that could cause your gums to bleed when you brush your teeth. Healthy gums that are regularly cleaned properly should not bleed and it is important to get to the root cause of the bleeding if you notice it happening more than once. Your gums play an important role in the health of your mouth and if they are bleeding or inflamed, take note because it could indicate a bigger problem.

Gingivitis

The most common reason for gum bleeding is the development of gum disease. Gingivitis develops when plaque is allowed to remain along the gum line, which harbors  bacteria. As gum disease worsens, the gums become inflamed, sensitive, or bleed easily when brushing. Catching gum disease early will reduce the damage it can cause and return your gums to a healthy light pink color. Unfortunately, if gingivitis is not treated, it can develop into  periodontal disease which is a more severe gum disease that can lead to receding gums, tooth loss, and even bone loss. If you notice blood when you spit after brushing, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist to avoid further complications with your mouth.

Flossing

Flossing is highly recommended by dentists in your daily oral hygiene routine. But flossing is often pushed to the back burner. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to floss after eating a steak or an apple, you may experience bleeding in your gums if it has been a while since your last flossing. Do not let a little blood deter you from flossing because it will greatly benefit your overall oral health. But if you continue to see blood when you floss, be sure to consult your dentist.

Brushing

You should not experience bleeding from just brushing your teeth, unless you are brushing too vigorously or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Your gums are not indestructible and need a gentle brushing twice a day. It is important to brush in a gentle, circular motion and not directly up and down on your front teeth to avoid injury to your gums.

Other causes

While the most common cause of bleeding gums come from poor oral hygiene that develops into gum disease, other causes such as hormonal changes, medications, and underlying health problems can also contribute to bleeding gums. Consider what could be causing your gums to bleed and if you have recently been diagnosed with a disease or have changed your medication.

Regardless of what is causing your gums to bleed, keeping a regular appointment with your dentist every six months can help keep your mouth healthy and rule out gum disease as the cause of your oral bleeding. If you are in the St. Augustine area and are looking for a dentist, give our office at Dental Remedies a call today.