Your gums may be bleeding for a variety of reasons. Some of these reasons aren’t too serious and may be short-term. Other reasons are more serious and need to be addressed as soon as possible. Here are some reasons for why your gums are bleeding and how to avoid bleeding gums.
Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
Bleeding gums don’t just have one root cause. There are a few issues that lead to gums bleeding. Below are some of the most common reasons for bleeding gums:
- Gum disease. Gingivitis causes your gums to bleed, as does the more serious illness periodontitis. Gum disease is a result of poor oral healthcare.
- Poor eating habits. Eating too many sweets and carbohydrates can lead to your gums bleeding, as these types of food cause a buildup of plaque on your teeth.
- Brushing too hard or with a hard brush. If you have sensitive gums, you need to be extra careful. You may be using a toothbrush that has bristles that are too hard. You also may simply be brushing too hard. Try brushing more gently and switching out your toothbrush for a brush with softer bristles.
- Flossing hard. As with brushing too hard, flossing too hard can lead to bleeding gums. Be gentle while flossing.
Avoiding Bleeding Gums
Below are some easy tips that you can use to avoid bleeding gums:
- Visit your dentist often. You should be visiting your dentist every year, twice a year for checkups and cleanings. During these visits, your dentist is able to check your teeth and gums for disease and other oral health problems. They can then address these problems early on before they have a chance to develop and worsen.
- Take proper care of your oral health. You should be brushing your teeth, flossing and rinsing out your mouth twice a day, every day. Taking proper care of your oral health will eliminate the buildup of plaque and bacteria. This will keep your gums safe from diseases like gingivitis.
- Eat healthier foods. A healthy diet is good for every part of your body. This includes your gums. By eating less sugar and carbohydrates, you cut back on plaque buildup. Eating foods that are high in vitamin C and K is also highly beneficial for the health of your gums. Eat a healthy and diverse diet.
When Should I Visit My Dentist?
The occasional bleeding is normal. If your gums are bleeding around twice a month or less, don’t worry about it. If they are bleeding more than that, though, you’ll want to try the tips above. If they keep bleeding, set an appointment with your dentist. While the tips above may help, don’t wait too long to schedule an appointment after attempting them. Your dentist will be able to take a look at your teeth and gums and determine the root cause. From there, they can provide you with the care you need to stop your gums from bleeding and treat whatever is causing the bleeding in the first place.