Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
We always stress the importance of brushing and flossing your teeth for optimal oral health. Do you often notice signs of pink or red when you brush or floss your teeth? If so, you may be experiencing bleeding gums. While bleeding gums does not always mean there is an issue with your oral health, as it can happen on occasion from something as simple as food trapped between your teeth, if you experience bleeding gums frequently, it can be a warning of a significant issue. Continue reading to learn more about what may be causing your bleeding gums.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
If you experience bleeding gums on occasion, there is nothing to be concerned about, although we would still prefer you mention it during your next hygiene examination. If you frequently notice you have bleeding gums, it can be more of a concern because it may signify a problem with your oral health that needs to be remedied. Some causes of bleeding gums can include:
Gum Disease
Bleeding gums is one of the few warning signs that can indicate the beginning stages of gum disease. Gum disease can develop when there is a build-up of plaque and bacteria along the gumline. If left to progress, gum disease can cause significant oral health issues.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you are not brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly, it can lead to bleeding gums. Also, if you use vigorous strokes when brushing your teeth, you can damage your gums and cause them to bleed. If you are unsure how to properly clean your teeth, we are happy to help during your next appointment.
Medications and Health Issues
One of the common side effects to many medications and certain illnesses is bleeding gums. If you have recently started a new medication or have received a diagnosis of a long-term illness or condition, be sure to mention it during your next visit to our office.
If you experience bleeding gums it is important not to worry, but it is important to visit us soon. If you are located in the Terre Haute, IN area, we recommend calling our office to schedule an appointment. We can perform an examination and determine the exact cause and recommend a treatment plan. We look forward to helping get your oral health back on track.
