Gums bleeding is never a pleasant experience, especially when it is painful. While occasional bleeding is normal, regular bleeding is an indication that you may have underlying gum issues. For people whose gums bleed, they most often notice it when they are flossing which can sometimes lead to avoiding flossing altogether. While it is tempting to avoid flossing, that just exacerbates the problem.
The first step to improving the status of your gums is to understand what is causing your gums to bleed. There are many reasons that explain why gums may be bleeding that you can consider.
1. Accumulation of Plaque
One of the more common reasons for gums bleeding is the accumulation of plaque along the gumline. Plaque is a type of bacteria that forms in those hard to reach areas of the mouth, which is why it is common to have plaque buildup. If plaque is not removed in a timely manner, it can transition into tartar which irritates the gums.
Because plaque and tartar usually accumulates between your teeth and along the gumline, flossing is generally the go-to method for removal. The motion of flossing can sometimes be abrasive on already inflamed gums, which can cause bleeding. This bleeding comes from the blood tissues rupturing when the friction of flossing rubs against sensitive gum tissue.
2. Inflammation
Going right along with plaque and tartar buildup causing inflammation, inflammation itself causes bleeding of the gums. You can tell if your gums are inflamed if they are red, swollen, and tender. When the inflamed gums come in contact with items like floss or a toothbrush, the tissue is more likely to bleed and cause pain.
3. Gum Disease
If inflammation of the gums is not treated, it can eventually develop into gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This disease often happens due to the neglect of maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits, including flossing. Periodontal disease is more serious than just inflammation because it is an infection that affects the supporting structures of your teeth, including the gums, bone, and ligaments. If gum disease is not caught early and then develops into an extreme case, permanent damage can occur and the teeth may need to be removed.
4. Gum Pockets
The gums should fit snugly around the teeth, forming a shallow crevice where you can easily floss and remove any particles from the gumline in a healthy mouth. In the presence of gum disease, the bacterial infection causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and creates inflammation. As the attachment of the gums to the teeth weakens, periodontal pockets form between the gums and teeth which are very difficult to clean by regular brushing. Flossing is usually necessary to clean these hard to reach areas of the mouth.
How to Treat Unhealthy Gums
While experiencing issues with your gums can be painful and cause damage, luckily, gum issues can be reversible with proper care. Maintaining good oral health hygiene and visiting a dentist regularly are some of the best ways to avoid developing gum issues.
Improve Oral Habits
Simply brushing your teeth may not be enough to prevent gum issues. Sometimes the problem may be the type of toothbrush you are using or the technique of brushing and flossing. If you experience gum sensitivity, using a soft bristled brush or an electric toothbrush can be an effective way to clean your teeth. Along with this, using an anti gingivitis toothpaste can help promote healthy gums. Improving your flossing technique can also improve the status of your gums.
Visit a Dentist to Stop Gums Bleeding
Regular visits to a dentist is one of the best ways to improve your oral health. Visiting the dentist can also help you avoid developing serious dental issues and address and improve any existing issues.
Dental hygienists are trained to remove stubborn plaque and tartar from the teeth that brushing on your own can’t reach. This thorough cleaning is effective in reducing inflammation in the mouth and reversing gum issues.
Dentists are also trained in treating any type of dental issue. They can assess the current condition of your mouth and provide proper treatment and guidance to help improve any issues. By following the instructions of your dentist, you can improve your oral health and find relief from any sensitivity and inflammation.
Visit Northview Dental
Northview Dental offers many services that are sure to leave your mouth looking and feeling great. Whether you are concerned about gums bleeding, need a simple cleaning, or a more intensive service like a dental crown, our team prioritizes the comfort and satisfaction of our patients. Contact us today if you are ready to take control of your oral health.
