A little pink in the sink after brushing is one of the most common things patients mention to me, and one of the most commonly ignored. Bleeding gums are common, but they are not normal. Healthy gums do not bleed when you brush or floss.
The good news is that the most common cause is also the most fixable.
The Usual Cause: Gingivitis
Most bleeding comes from gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums caused by plaque sitting along the gumline. The bacteria in plaque irritate the gum tissue, and irritated tissue bleeds easily.
Gingivitis is reversible. Once the plaque is removed consistently, the gums usually calm down and stop bleeding.
The mistake most people make
When gums bleed, many people brush more gently in that area or stop flossing there. That makes sense, but it does the opposite of what you want. Less cleaning means more plaque, and more plaque means more bleeding.
Instead:
Brush twice a day for two full minutes with a soft-bristled brush, angled toward the gumline.
Floss once a day, including the spots that bleed.
Give it one to two weeks. For most people with gingivitis, the bleeding improves noticeably in that time.
If you just started flossing, some bleeding in the first several days is normal and should fade.
When it is more than gingivitis
If gingivitis goes untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. At that stage the infection reaches the bone and ligaments that hold your teeth in place. Signs include:
Gums that bleed easily even with good brushing and flossing
Gums that look red, swollen, or pulled back from the teeth
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
Teeth that feel loose or look like they have shifted
Periodontitis is not reversible the way gingivitis is, but it can be managed. Often that starts with a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, which removes buildup from below the gumline where a toothbrush cannot reach.
Other things that can cause bleeding
Blood thinners and some other medications. Let us know what you take.
Pregnancy. Hormone changes make gums more sensitive.
Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled brush.
Some medical conditions, including diabetes, can affect gum health.
When to come in
If your gums still bleed after two weeks of steady brushing and flossing, or if you notice any of the signs of periodontitis above, it is time for an exam. Catching gum disease early makes it much easier to treat.
Call us at [(407) 767-0633] (tel:+14077670633) to schedule a visit.
Magnolia Springs Dentistry
703 Magnolia Drive, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701
[(407) 767-0633] (tel:+14077670633)
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Please call us to schedule an exam.