What Effects Does Bleeding Gums Have?
Most people will notice blood in the sink after they have brushed their teeth at least once during their lifetime. There
Pregnancy
Many women find that their gums bleed slightly when they are pregnant. This is believed to be due to the fluctuations in hormones that she is experiencing and usually resolves itself shortly after she has delivered her baby.
The wrong toothbrush
Most people think that firm bristles are better for removing plaque, but they are actually more likely to do damage to the enamel of your teeth and the soft tissue of your gum, causing bleeding. Swap for a soft-bristled variety.
Brushing too hard
Equally, you don’t need to brush hard to remove plaque from your teeth. Doing so could cause your gums to bleed.
Flossing technique
Flossing involves cleaning deep in the gaps between your teeth, and if you haven’t flossed before or had a gap in your flossing routine, restarting the process can irritate these soft tissues and cause your gums to bleed.
Certain medications
Some medications are designed to thin the blood, making bleeding more likely.
Bleeding gums and periodontal disease
If your gums bleed regularly when you brush, and the causes listed above don’t seem to be behind it, you could be suffering from some degree of periodontal disease.
Also known as gingivitis, gum disease
Periodontal disease is a progressive condition
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- Diabetes
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- Kidney/liver problems
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Stroke
For this reason, your dentist will spend a great deal of time stressing the
Gum disease is a common occurrence, but by investing time and energy into your dental care, it doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion. If you would like further advice on what to do if your gums are bleeding, or how to protect yourself from periodontal disease, our friendly and reassuring team are on hand to help. Please contact us at your convenience.