My Gums Are Bleeding – Is It Normal?

We all know that we need to take care of our teeth, but we don’t always do it. We should brush and floss our teeth at least twice daily and rinse our mouths with a mouthwash every 24-hours to keep our mouth cavity and tongue, clean and fresh.

Plaque is a killer when it comes to dentistry and the bacteria that cause gum disease and tooth decay cause bad breath either way.

Finding a bit of blood in the sink after brushing and flossing your teeth may not seem like a big deal. You may think it’s normal but if this case an oral hygiene session or even dental treatment may be necessary.

The truth is that bleeding gums should never be ignored they can be a sign of gum disease or even worse and should be addressed ASAP.

Bleeding gums can also be a sign of stress, diabetes and an early sign of pregnancy but how dangerous is it?

Inadequate oral hygiene causes gum disease and tooth decay

The most common causes for red, swollen, puffy, or bleeding gums is poororal hygiene, in medical terms it is called gingivitis.

Neglecting to thoroughly, yet gently, clean your teeth and gums twice daily will soon show in the health of your gums and in the quality of your breath.

It takes virtually no time for plaque and tartar to build up on your teeth and along the gum line, in fact it begins to build up almost immediately after brushing and in the end can lead to serious tooth decay and other medical conditions.

If you do not brush thoroughly debris can be left in your mouth that cause plaque and tartar that lead to cavities. Smoking can also irritate the gums

This buildup of plaque, especially, is what irritates gums when left uncleaned and can be happening within as little as 24 hours. Just chewing food, and drinking beverages introduce intruders that can radically effect your oral health

To serious prevent gingivitis and associated tooth decay you need to take the appropriate steps to do so.

→ What to do about it

To remedy inadequate oral hygiene, and prevent the likelihood of gum disease be sure to instigate good habits when it comes to oral hygiene. Diet can also play a part in keeping your mouth and teeth safe in the long term

You need to set up a cleansing routine so that your teeth, are properly brushed in the morning and in the evening, and flossed at least once a day.

An electric toothbrush which can be really beneficial for gums as the rotating head massages gums stimulates and promotes blood flow to the tissues, which helps to fight off any potential infection.

Alternatives to traditional flossing, such as floss picks or a water pick, are effective and easy to use. Additionally, an antibacterial mouthwash after brushing staves off bad breath and flossing your teeth is the icing on the cake when it comes to dental care.

Drinking water rather than flavoured drinks also keeps your mouth in great condition

Finally, regular oral hygiene sessions and check ups keep you on track when it comes to keeping your mouth, gums and teeth in peak condition.

Professional dental techniques offer a deeper clean and can reach and eradicate built up plaque and tartar that is not visible to you.

Your diet can really help your gum health

The best food for your dental health are fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Foods that are high in vitamin C provide essential building blocks of a diet that keeps a smile on your face.

On the other hand, foods and drinks that are high in sugar, starch, and acid will cause . Sugars from processed foods and carbohydrates stick tenaciously to teeth and along the gum line and, if they are not removed soon after consumption, they start to eat away at your teeth causing cavities and build up around your gum tissues.

If you indulge in these more dangerous foods during the day and then forget to brush your teeth in between meals, you are essentially adding more destructive bacteria in your mouth without attending to it as you should.

→ What food helps with oral health

Crunchy vegetables are the best type of food for your oral health dislodge destructive food and bacteria while being very low in sugar.

Dairy products such as cheese and natural yoghurt contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Foods that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as fish oil especially help if you are having problems with your gums.

Substituting a meal with a salad filled with healthy proteins and vegetables can do wonders for your overall health quite apart from improving your oral health.

Is it true that your gums can bleed when you’re pregnant?

Unfortunately, many women will experience gingivitis during pregnancy, by their second trimester, it can lead to gum disease. During pregnancy gum tissues are more irritable and less able to fight off infection.

The hormones produced during pregnancy can make mothers-to-be far more vulnerable to gum disease even if they brush and floss twice each day.

→ How can I stop my gums bleeding if I’m pregnant?

Visit us as soon as you know that you are pregnant.

It is wise to get professional advice that is tailored to your needs. We can set up regular appointments for hygiene checks and consultation throughout your pregnancy.

The standard rules apply. You should always brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to keep your oral hygiene in check.

You may want to use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash after you brush and floss your teeth to ensure that any unseen debris is removed from your mouth.

What should I do if gum disease runs in my family?

Susceptibility to gum disease can be hereditary and, for those who know that gum disease are likely to be in their genes, they must be far more serious with their oral hygiene.

→ How do I limit the impact of a genetic infuence?

If you already know that gum disease runs in the family, let your dentist know.

We can offer expert advice about the best ways to care for your teeth on a daily basis to protect you from gum disease in the future.

Brushing, flossing, and consistent use of antibacterial mouthwashes, is essential in fighting the bacteria that irritates gum tissues and cause decay.

Can smoking or vaping affect my gums?

If you smoke or vape you are risking your gums in the long term quite apart from your lungs and other vital organs in your body.

The toxins produced by cigarettes are extremely destructive and are known to weaken your gum tissues, which can cause swelling, discolouration, and bleeding.

In addition, if they are exposed to harmful toxins, bacteria found in the mouth are far more likely to invade the gums and even enter into the bloodstream producing further complications such as irritation, bleeding and infection.

→ Will quitting tobacco help my gums?

Quitting smoking is the only way to get rid yourself of cigarette toxins that cause gum disease. This will allow your gum tissues to regenerate and become healthy again.

In addition to this, brushing and flossing will keep any harmful bacteria from continuing to attack your weakened gum tissues.

Speak to both your medical and dental team about the methods that can help you give up smoking.

Are bleeding gums reversible?

Periodontal health is a huge worry and it may seem that there is no solution. Yet it can be reversed. It starts by routinely flossing and brushing your teeth on a daily basis

Oral hygiene is vital to that reversal and that’s where we can help you even more. It’s easy to book an oral checkup. Ask our friendly team about how we can help do a regular clean to keep everything in check.

It’s important to keep in mind that most of the time gum diseases can be reversed and, with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care, it can be eradicated.

Call Pathway Dental today to book your oral check up. Your appointment is only a phone call away.