Have you noticed some bleeding when you brush your teeth? You’d be surprised at how many people do; it’s a common occurrence for people to see a little blood when they brush their teeth or when they floss.
Some common causes of bleeding gums during dental care are:
- When you brush your teeth too hard
- When you don’t brush often enough
- When you brush using a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard
- When you floss incorrectly or too hard
These are common reasons for bleeding gums, and they happen to everyone. But when do bleeding gums become a real cause for concern?
When do I call a dentist?
A little blood is nothing to worry about. But a considerable amount of blood, especially if the pain is present, is certainly something to get checked. They could be indicators of the following dental health problems.
- Gum disease
A lot of bleeding from the gums while brushing your teeth could be an early indicator of gum disease. Bacteria has built up in the mouth, creating plaque on your teeth, a sticky film. If you’ve not been brushing or flossing correctly, the plaque starts to infect your gums, causing the bleed.
Older adults and senior citizens are the most at risk for gum disease and need specialized dental care to prevent their teeth and gums from getting infected. They need to be more vigilant with proper brushing and flossing.
- Periodontitis
If the gum disease infection is not immediately addressed, it leads to periodontitis, a more severe form of infection. It also causes gums to bleed, and worst of all, this type of infection can damage other parts of the body. The disease must get addressed long before it gets to this point.
- Pregnancy
Some pregnant women develop swollen gums and bleeding when they do their daily brushing and flossing routine. It’s called pregnancy gingivitis, and caused by hormonal changes which change how the body attacks the bacteria in your mouth. It’s advisable for pregnant women to see their dentist for a checkup and discuss their swollen gums and bleeding and limit it.
- Medication
Certain medications can cause gums to bleed as well. If you’ve been prescribed blood thinners, anti-seizure medicines, blood pressure medication, or even immunosuppressants, your medication could be causing your gums to bleed more often. It would be best if you spoke with your doctor or your dentist about what you can do to prevent bleeding as much as possible.
- Serious illness
Sometimes, bleeding gums are a warning flag for a more severe condition. Bleeding from the gums is a symptom of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes makes it harder for your body to heal, and so you bleed longer than usual. It could also be an early indicator of leukemia, which also makes it harder to stop bleeding.
It could also be an indicator of a deficiency. Having too little Vitamin C makes it harder for your body tissues to repair themselves, so you bleed more and for a longer time. Some severe vitamin C deficiencies lead to scurvy, leading to bleeding under the skin and in delicate parts of the body.
Get your gums checked when they bleed
Don’t hesitate to see your dentist if you notice that your gums are bleeding excessively, especially if you haven’t been brushing or flossing too hard. If you eliminate the common causes and your gums are still bleeding, visit your dentist and get your gums checked.
Need a consultation about the health of your gums? Contact us today and request a free consultation or learn more about our oral exams.