Bleeding gums can be a sign of a more serious oral health problem, like gum disease. If you’ve noticed that your gums have been regularly bleeding when brushing your teeth or flossing, you should speak to your dentist, who can help you find the root cause of the problem. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the most common causes of bleeding gums and how you can prevent your gums from bleeding!

Causes Of Bleeding Gums

There are many different things that can cause your gums to bleed. The most common cause of bleeding gums is poor oral hygiene habits. Things like forgetting to brush your teeth and not flossing can lead to gum disease, which is a condition that causes your gums to recede and begin to bleed. If you don’t receive treatment for gum disease, it can lead to infections, loss of teeth, and other serious problems. Another common cause of bleeding gums is brushing your teeth too aggressively or with a brush that has hard bristles. Bristles that are too hard can not only cause bleeding gums, but they can also cause enamel-loss that can lead to cavities and decay. One more common cause of bleeding gums is the use of blood thinners. If you’re taking blood thinners for another medical problem, your gums may bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth.

Preventing Bleeding Gums

The best way to prevent your gums from bleeding is to be diligent about your oral hygiene routine. Be sure that you are brushing your teeth at least twice per day using a soft-bristled brush. You should brush your teeth using small, circular motions or use an oscillating electric toothbrush that has been approved by the American Dental Association. You should also be gently flossing in between each of your teeth at least once per day using flosser picks or dental floss. Additionally, you should schedule a dental checkup every six months so your dentist can spot early signs of gum disease!

Contact Gentle Dental Maine!

If you have any questions about bleeding gums or your oral hygiene routine, please contact our team at Gentle Dental Maine! Our family dentists specialize in general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry services at each of our offices in South Portland, Biddeford, and Topsham. Give us a call at any one of our offices, or if you’re not yet a patient with us, please fill out the new patient form on our website!