My Gums Bleed When I Brush: Should I be Concerned?

Bleeding gums can be alarming, but don’t always indicate a serious condition. However, if you do experience bleeding when you brush, you should let your dentist know so that he can determine the root cause. Our dentists in Littleton CO 80120 can help track your symptoms and treat the cause to reduce or eliminate your bleeding gums.

 

Causes of Bleeding Gums

Gums can bleed during brushing for a variety of reasons, some of which are easily treated. Other causes might require more extensive or long-term care.

Some of the most common causes of bleeding gums include:

  • Minor injuries in the mouth
  • Using a toothbrush that is too hard
  • Gingivitis or early stages of gum disease

Foods such as chips or crusty breads can abrade the gums and cause them to bleed during brushing. Minor injuries in the mouth generally resolve within a few days and do not require treatment. [pullquote]If you have developed gingivitis, your dentist will recommend treatment to heal your gums over a period of time, which should lead to a reduction in bleeding gums when you brush.[/pullquote]

If your toothbrush is too hard, it can abrade your gums and can also wear down the enamel on the surfaces of your teeth. Consult with your dentist regarding the appropriate type of toothbrush to use.

If you have developed , your dentist will recommend treatment to heal your gums over a period of time, which should lead to a reduction in bleeding gums when you brush.

 

Treatments for Gingivitis

If it is diagnosed in early stages, gingivitis is relatively easy to treat. Your dentist might recommend a special toothpaste, mouthwash, or other topical treatments. Baking soda is often used to treat gingivitis, either in toothpaste or applied in a paste to the gums. However, as gingivitis progresses into gum disease, treatments become more invasive and more complex.

In more advanced stages, gum disease can require deep cleaning of the teeth and the tooth roots to remove plaque and tartar that has build up in these areas, often below the gum line. If these treatments are ineffective, or if your gum disease has become more serious, periodontal surgery might be required.

If you have experienced chronic bleeding of your gums when you brush your teeth, please contact the doctor Family Dentistry. We can help determine the root cause and improve your dental health.