When you brush your teeth, you expect minty foam and water to come out of your mouth after spitting. However, if blood suddenly appears in the mixture, you’re in for a visit to your dentist in Candler, NC. Luckily, if you catch this problem in time and adjust some of your daily habits, your bleeding gums can turn into a mere fleeting scare. Learn the common sources of this issue and which practices you can adopt to prevent or reduce its effects.
Reasons for Bleeding Gums
Overbrushing
Some people are passionate about oral health but wrongly believe brushing too many times a day or with more force can benefit their teeth and gums. Yet, when you exert too much pressure on your teeth or keep brushing them throughout the day, you erode the protective enamel covering your smile and make your gums swell and recede.
With time, not only does your gum tissue starts bleeding, but it becomes retracted enough to give bacteria a VIP pass to your tooth nerves and pulp and produce an infection. Bleeding is an aftermath of this damaging habit, as well as decay, pain, tooth abscess, and other problems.
Gum Disease
Aside from excessive toothbrushing, gum disease is the most common culprit behind bleeding gums. This oral problem affects five out of ten adults in the US, and it’s a result of not caring for your teeth properly. When you don’t brush, floss, or visit your dentist for cleanings, plaque and tartar surround your gums, attacking the tissue and making it bleed. Not tackling gum disease on time can make your teeth lose or fall and take a toll on your overall health.
Pregnancy
Even if your gums were healthy and blood-free before your pregnancy, you might start experiencing gum problems during this period of your life. Due to the hormonal changes that pregnant women face, their gums aren’t as strong to battle infection and bacteria, turning red and swollen.
If this issue remains untreated, tissue might start bleeding when you brush, and the problem might persist after you have your baby. If you want a healthy smile to show how happy you are about your future baby, you can change some habits to protect your gums.
Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
Adopt a Proper Oral Care Routine
Knowing about proper brushing and flossing can turn any bleeding gums into a disease-free smile. Always choose a soft-bristle toothbrush, tilt it at a 45-degree angle, and brush for two minutes. Make sure you don’t miss any corners and finish the job by flossing and rinsing with mouthwash. Once you get treatment, if you repeat this process two to three times a day, your gums will stop bleeding in no time.
Get Regular Cleanings
Learning the correct technique to clean your smile is only half the battle, as getting dental cleanings is also crucial to keep bleeding gums at bay. As a rule of thumb, you should get professional cleanings twice a year but check with a dental professional to adjust the number to your specific needs.
Don’t Smoke
Tobacco weakens your immune system and oral tissue, making you prone to dental problems like gum disease and oral cancer. Try to reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke daily or quit this detrimental habit to stop gum bleeding.
A Dentist in Candler, NC, Can Help Your Damaged Gums
Gum bleeding can result from periodontal disease, overbrushing, or pregnancy, but you can easily put an end to it by getting dental help. Our trained team can restore your gums to their healthy selves. Call our team to learn more!
