Dental care is a critical aspect of ensuring and remaining aware of your overall health. Taking proper care of your teeth is an important, as it can prevent serious dental-related issues that can lead to the need for invasive procedures such as cavity fillings, root canals, or even extractions. Additionally, proper dental hygiene practices can reduce the risk of other health-related problems.
Being aware of symptoms related to your dental health is equally important as caring for your teeth on a daily basis. One common symptom of dental issues that individuals often experience is bleeding gums. Bleeding gums can indicate a few different issues, so it’s important to consult with your dentist if you notice that your gums have been bleeding lately. In this article, we’ll discuss what bleeding gums may indicate, what you can do to prevent it from happening to you, and what steps you should take if you notice bleeding gums.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Gum Bleeding?
If you’ve noticed that your gums bleed after brushing, it is important to note whether the bleeding occurs each time you brush, only sometimes, or specifically when flossing in addition to brushing. Simply taking note of when bleeding occurs can give both you and your dental care provider more information of the cause of bleeding gums. Here are some of the more common reasons why your gums may be bleeding:
- Brushing too hard
- Brushing with a rough toothbrush
- Flossing irregularly (not routinely)
- Implant or denture fit issues
These causes of gum bleeding can usually be easily fixed. For instance, if your bleeding gums are due to rough brushing or using an improper toothbrush, you’ll simply need to reduce the amount of pressure used when brushing, or switch to a softer-bristled toothbrush.
More Serious Reasons for Bleeding Gums
Although the above-mentioned are some of the more common and benign reasons for bleeding gums, there are other causes of bleeding gums that may highlight more serious issues going on. Here are some other more serious causes of gum bleeding that you should be sure to consult with your dentist about:
Deficiencies in certain vitamins
The most common vitamin deficiencies that can lead to higher susceptibility to gum bleeding are vitamin K or vitamin C. This illuminates how important it is to stay in good general health to ensure the health of your teeth and vice versa. Routine blood panels and adjusting your diet can help prevent gum bleeding and keep you in optimal health.
Gingivitis
This is a common dental health issue that can lead to more severe gum disease if left untreated. Individuals who develop gingivitis typically experience inflamed, sore, and bleeding gums. Gingivitis can occur when routine brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings are not kept up. When plaque builds up near the gum line and is not properly cleaned or removed, gingivitis may develop. Gingivitis left untreated can turn into periodontitis, where infection spreads to connective tissues and the jawbone.
How to Prevent Bleeding Gums
Taking care of your teeth and practicing good dental hygiene habits is the best way to prevent bleeding gums. However, it is also important to note that some individuals may be more genetically susceptible to dental issues and complications. This is why it is critical to consistently consult with your dentist and attend at least bi-annual teeth cleanings. Here are some other tips to prevent bleeding gums:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss your teeth at least once each day
- Perform yearly blood panels to highlight and treat vitamin deficiencies
- Use dentist-recommended mouthwashes to prevent plaque buildup
- Use the appropriate type of toothbrush for your teeth and gums
- Avoid brushing too hard
- Seek advice on how to brush and floss from your dentist if you are not sure
How We Can Help
The professionals here at the Dental Group of Simi Valley, 
located in Simi Valley, California, have been improving smiles for over 5 decades. As a family dental practice, we value our patients as if they are part of our own family; therefore, we genuinely care about their health and will go out of our way to help keep them smiling. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your dental hygiene practices or have noticed bleeding gums, please feel free to call one of our helpful professionals today to schedule a consultation.
