Bleeding Gums When Brushing: Should I Be Worried?

Bleeding gums when brushing is a fairly common experience, but it is not normal nor healthy. Here, our Trenton dentists explain some causes of bleeding gums while brushing and when you should be concerned.

Bleeding Gums - What are they and what do they mean?

Many Canadians experience bleeding gums while brushing their teeth, but this is not a normal or healthy phenomenon.

Below, our Trenton dentists explain what conditions cause bleeding gums and why you should see a dentist about it.

Understanding Causation - How could I end up with bleeding gums?

While occasionally bleeding gums can be the result of wearing dentures that fit too tightly or brushing your teeth too aggressively, more frequent gum bleeding can also be a sign of more serious conditions or dental care issues, such as gum disease.

Gingivitis & Periodontitis - What are they and what do they have to do with bleeding gums?

When you don’t brush and floss correctly, plaque builds up on the gum line and can harden into tartar at an accelerated rate. Gingivitis - the first stage of gum disease - can cause your gums to become puffy and sore, and eventually bleed. Gingivitis can progress into more serious diseases.

The second, more serious stage of gum disease is periodontitis, which is an infection of the tissues and bones that connect your teeth and gums, and can eventually cause bone and tooth loss. Oftentimes progression to this point can lead to certain teeth having to be removed as a part of treatment.

Bleeding While Brushing - What should I do next if my gums bleed during brushing?

There are some at-home remedies you can try to limit bleeding while brushing, including:

• Brush and floss after each meal with a gentle fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss a minimum of once per day. Be sure to keep your floss somewhere highly visible, to help increase your likelihood of remembering to floss and protect your dental hygiene. 
• Consider an electric toothbrush to help you clean your mouth more easily. Many electric toothbrushes have sensors to help communicate when you've done enough brushing, which is yet another reason using them often correlates with having fewer dental health problems.
• Rinse thoroughly with an anti-gingivitis, alcohol-free mouthwash. You can pick up a mouthwash that fits this description at your local pharmacy. Ask the pharmacist if you're unsure what you're looking for.
• See your dentist every 6 months and let them know of any changes, soreness, or sensitivity. Nothing is more effective than regular checkups with a professional when it comes to ensuring good oral health. Your dentist will not only provide a cleaning but also fully investigate to make sure your mouth is not currently afflicted by any manner of oral diseases - including gingivitis and periodontitis.

To learn more about how to maintain good dental health or to schedule an exam and cleaning, contact our West End Dental Centre dentists today.