Many people suffer from bleeding gums, so if you notice you spit some pink in your sink after teeth brushing or flossing, don’t panic. There are many different reasons why they may be bleeding, and some are more serious than others. You should always visit your dentist to find the underlying cause, but in the meantime, our team at Dentrix Dental has compiled a list of what may be causing your gums to bleed.
1. Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
One of the most common cause of bleeding gums is simply poor hygiene. Keeping up with your teeth is extremely important, as poor oral hygiene can lead to more serious diseases. You should always make sure to brush your teeth for a full two minutes. You should brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. This helps reduce plaque, which will prevent gingivitis and swollen gums.
2. Smoking
Among other negative health repercussions, smoking increases your risk for gum disease and increases sensitivity. Smokers are at a higher risk, and bacteria can travel between the teeth and gum line. If you are a frequent smoker experiencing oral bleeding, you may want to cut back or quit smoking.
3. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first phase of gum disease. This can occur when plaque is not brushed or flossed away from the gum line and teeth. Plaque ultimately breeds dangerous bacteria that infects your gums. Signs of gingivitis include swollen and tender gums and bleeding during flossing and brushing.
4. A New Toothbrush
Sometimes the cause for bleeding when brushing can be as simple as using a new toothbrush. If you switched from a brush with soft bristles and you are now using hard bristles, your gums may begin to bleed.
5. New Medications
If you have recently started taking any medication that causes blood thinning, this may be the underlying cause of spitting blood. When medication causes blood thinning, this means that it is not able to clot as well, which causes easier bleeding. Be sure to always let your dentist know what kind of medications you are taking.
6. Not Eating Well
If you are not putting nutritious foods into your body, this could be a cause for poor oral health. Processed foods can sometimes irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. Make sure you are eating a healthy and balanced diet made up of lots of fruits and vegetables. Vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium are all very important for your oral health. Try eating a higher intake of foods with these components.
7. Pregnancy Gingivitis
When pregnant, you experience many hormonal changes within your body. Believe it or not, these hormonal changes can cause gingivitis. Your body may have a new response to the bacteria that can cause gum disease. The gingivitis should clear up after your pregnancy is over. If it does not, make sure to visit your dentist.
8. Stress
Stress takes a serious toll on your immune system. A weaker immune system makes it harder for your body to fight off gum disease, so if you are experiencing a lot of stress in your life, you may be at a higher risk. Stress can also cause your blood vessels to become inflamed, which prevents your body from healing the damage caused by your bleeding gums.
9. Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease is the most serious potential cause for bleeding gums. In addition to bleeding gums, you may experience tenderness, constant bad breath, and loose adult teeth. It can be treated surgically, non-surgically, or with medication. This disease develops and becomes serious when you do not treat gingivitis, so if you are experiencing bleeding gums make sure to enhance your oral hygiene to prevent the onset of periodontal disease. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your dentist as soon as possible.