There are several reason why you might be suffering from bleeding gums:

  1. In some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease. If your gums bleed easily or bleed when you brush, talk to your dentist about your oral health. Gingivitis is reversible and preventable.
  2. If you’ve just started a new flossing routine, for instance, your gums may bleed at first as they get used to cleaning between the teeth. This usually goes away on its own in about a week.
  3. Some pregnant women develop a condition known as “pregnancy gingivitis,” an inflammation of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness.
  4. Gums also may bleed a little when brushing or flossing. If you take blood thinners, these medications may cause your gums to bleed. Contact your physician if the bleeding does not stop quickly.
  5. Your gums could also be bleeding if you brush too hard. Use an extra-soft or soft-bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth.

bleeding gums

If your gums bleed regularly or enough to worry you, make an appointment with your dentist or physician. It could be a sign that something else is wrong.

Always remember to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and schedule regular dental visits.

Book your next dental appointment here

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Infection leads to a red, swollen and tender area. This area often bleeds when the teeth are brushed or the tender area is touched.

How does gum disease come about?

  • Gum disease comes about when large amounts of bacteria branch together to form a sticky substance called plaque. This plaque lives where the gum and the teeth meet and can cause extreme irritation leading to a red, swollen and tender area. As the area becomes more swollen, the gums separate from the teeth leading to the development of a pocket where more dental plaque lives and eventually damages the gum and kills the bone around your tooth.

There are a number of signs and symptoms that may indicate you have gum disease:

  • Dark red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Pain when you bite on food
  • Gums that look like they are low down on the teeth
  • Sensitive or loose teeth
  • Smelly breath

how to prevent gum disease

Prevention at home

  1. Brush where the teeth and gums meet, twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
  2. Change your toothbrush when the bristles become flattened.
  3. Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes everyday.
  4. Avoid sugary snacks between meals
  5. Do not smoke.
  6. Visit your own dentist and dental hygienist regularly.

Dental treatments

As dentists, we often carry out/subscribe the following treatments/prescription when dealing with gum disease:

  • A thorough scale and polish
  • Root planning (the cleaning of bacteria from the roots of your teeth).
  • Antibiotics (to treat any infection)
  • Extraction (to remove affected tooth or teeth)

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or simply feel like an oral health review is overdue, book an appointment with one of our general dentists here.