Do you see blood when you brush and floss your teeth? If so, it’s an indication that you have bleeding gums, which is more common than you may realize. Not only can gums bleed from brushing your teeth, but they may also bleed if you have food stuck between your teeth. If your gums only bleed occasionally, it’s not usually a cause for concern. However, if you notice your gums bleeding often, it’s an indication there may be a problem with your oral health. Gums can bleed for a number of reasons, including:
Brushing and Flossing Too Hard
If you notice you have bleeding gums when you brush and floss your teeth, it is possible that you are being too rough. Trauma to your gums can lead to bleeding. It is best to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with gentle strokes. If you are unsure how to brush and floss properly, we can assist you and answer any questions you have.
Gum Disease
This condition affects approximately half of American adults and, while there are not many warning signs, bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease.
Medications
You may be surprised to learn that there are a number of medications that can cause bleeding issues, and that includes your gums. When you start a new medication, be sure to speak to your pharmacist about any side effects that may affect your oral health.
If you experience bleeding gums, you do not need to worry, but it is important to visit us soon. If you are in Bernardsville, NJ or the surrounding area, we recommend calling our office to schedule an appointment. We can perform an examination to determine the exact cause and recommend a treatment plan. We look forward to helping get your oral health back on track.