A lot of people deal with bleeding gums. Your gums may bleed for various reasons, so you should not panic when you spit pink in the sink after toothbrushing or flossing. Some of these reasons are more severe than others. Visit a dental practice in Carmel, NY to know the underlying cause of the problem. Bleeding gums can result from the following:
Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
Regular tooth brushing and flossing are quite essential because poor oral hygiene can result in more severe diseases. Brush your teeth for two minutes two times every day. Also, floss your teeth once every day to get rid of food particles that may be stuck between them. This helps minimize plaque and prevents gum disease and swollen gums.
Gingivitis
The early-stage gum disease is reversible. It can result from unremoved plaque from the teeth and gum line. Plaque will breed harmful bacteria that infect the gums. Gingivitis usually presents symptoms such as tender and swollen gums and gum bleeding.
Smoking
This habit puts you at an increased risk for gum disease and tooth sensitivity. As bacteria travel between the gum line and teeth, oral bleeding can happen.
A New Toothbrush
Gum bleeding can result from using a new toothbrush. This can happen when you switch from a soft-bristled toothbrush to one with hard bristles.
New Medications
Using blood-thinning medications can cause you to split blood. These medications stop blood from clotting, causing easier bleeding. Inform your dentist of all medications you are taking.
Poor Diet
Not consuming nutritious foods can result in poor oral health. Sometimes, processed foods can irritate the gums and cause bleeding. Thus, it is important to consume a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. A diet that is deficient in essential vitamins and minerals will compromise your oral health. This can lead to tender, delicate gums that may bleed from eating, brushing, and flossing.
Stress
Stress can affect your immune system. A compromised immune system leaves the body unable to combat gum disease. Also, stress can cause blood vessel inflammation, preventing the body from healing the damage that results from bleeding gums.
Dental Care Routine Changes
If you are not used to flossing your teeth regularly, your gums may begin to bleed when you start flossing. But this should stop within one week with regular care. Otherwise, call your dentist to book an appointment since this could indicate gingivitis.
Some Diseases
A lot of bodily diseases usually result in mouth issues due to the link between oral and overall health. People who have a weaker immune system can experience gum bleeding and have an increased risk of gum disease.
Diabetes is a common systemic disease that results in gum disease. People with diabetes are at risk of developing gum disease.
Dealing with Gum Disease
If your gums have been bleeding constantly, speak to your dentist as soon as possible. While light gum bleeding after flossing may not be a cause for concern, your dentist must come in for a dental examination soon.
In addition, you should assess your oral hygiene routine. How are you caring for your mouth at home? Are there steps you can take to improve your gum health? Also, to address gum bleeding, consider improving your diet as necessary. Cutting back on processed foods and sugar can go a long way for both your oral and overall health. Beverages like juices contain citric acids and hidden sugars that can harm your oral health. Also, carbohydrates and starches contribute to the formation of plaque and subsequent bleeding and irritated gums. Your dentist can guide you on making a mouth-friendly diet.
