There are many things that contribute to bleeding gums. Whether your gums bleed and little or a lot, it is never a great sign. You might be asking yourself, why are my gums bleeding? Here are some options. Plaque build up, gum disease, and tobacco use. All of these options stem from one source, bad oral hygiene. Whether you don’t brush enough, don’t floss, or frequently consume products that are bad for your teeth, they all lead to one conclusion, bleeding gums.
Bleeding gum is usually a sure sign of early gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Your gums may bleed because they are swollen from having too much plaque build up. When plaque builds up around your teeth it brings bacteria with it. This bacteria seeps into your gums and begins the gum disease trail. Plaque tends to build up from not brushing teeth as often as you should, and not flossing. Another very common reason for gum disease is tobacco use. Whether it is chewing tobacco or smoking, the chemicals and bacteria the tobacco brings can sit on your teeth and gums for a long time. Which is why it is important to brush your teeth often if you are a tobacco user.
Along with these two major reasons why your gums could be bleeding, there are also some other reasons that might not seem related, but definitely are. Another reason your gums could be bleeding is from having a poor diet. Foods that lack nutrition can have a bad effect on your teeth, so try to eat less processed foods. Another reason your teeth could be bleeding is from stress. Stress can can inflammation and soft tissue damage. Some other things that contribute to gum disease is family history, age, and pregnancy. Make sure to ask your dentist how to help your gums if one of these issues fits you.
Gingivitis can become more severe and lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is the point where gums become so inflamed that they start to recede up the gum line. This is lead to teeth falling out which will mean they will need to be replaced. It is very important to take notice of early gum disease to make sure you prevent it from going on any further. Some other signs of gum disease are bad breath, swollen gums, receding gum lines, and loose adult teeth. What can you do to prevent this from happening? It’s simple really! Brush your teeth and floss twice a day. That is all you need to do to make sure gum disease does not claim your teeth.
If you think you might have gingivitis or want to make sure you do not get it, talk to your dentist. Usually when you get a regular cleaning the dentist will let you know the health of your gums. So when you go in, go ahead and ask your dentist everything you want to know about gum disease and if you have it. Besides that, keep brushing and flossing your teeth regularly. Remember that bad oral health can lead to bad health all around your body. If you need to make an appointment or have any other questions, give us a call or fill out our contact form. We are always happy to help.