Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush? Causes and Proper Oral Care Techniques

Bleeding or red and swollen gums occur when your gums bleed while brushing or flossing your teeth or eating hard foods. It’s a common sign of gum inflammation that can be caused by several factors such as poor oral hygiene, gum disease or vitamin deficiencies.

Bleeding gums when brushing indicate that there is some sort of irritation or inflammation present in your gums. It can also be a warning sign of gum disease in its early stages. If gum problems are left untreated, gum disease can progress to more severe forms that can cause damage to the teeth and gums, eventually leading to tooth loss or dental surgery.

Causes Of Bleeding Gums

It is important to not ignore bleeding gums when you brush your teeth as there are often more serious underlying causes. Alongside bleeding gums, symptoms such as tender gums, bad breath, mouth ulcers or receding gums could be a sign of a more serious condition.

Gum Disease/Periodontal Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that affects the gums and bones supporting the teeth. It is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that forms on plaque, a sticky film that can harden and form tartar/calculus.

The bacteria in plaque and tartar can irritate the gums, causing inflammation, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, the inflammation can lead to severe gum disease and the breakdown of the gums and bone, eventually resulting in tooth loss.

There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder form and can usually be treated with improved oral hygiene such as more effective brushing of teeth and regular dental cleanings.

Periodontitis is more severe and can cause irreversible damage to the teeth and gums. It requires more advanced treatment, such as scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery.

The easiest way to prevent both gingivitis and periodontitis before the issues begin is to implement a brushing and flossing routine at least once a day and visit a dental practice at least once every twelve months.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can lead to bleeding gums. When you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque accumulates on your teeth and gums.

Poor oral hygiene is directly related to gum disease, as mentioned earlier. It is very important to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.

Regular dental checkups and cleanings are also essential to remove plaque and tartar buildup and to identify and treat gum disease in its early stages.

Vitamin Deficiency

Bleeding gums can be caused by a deficiency in vitamins C or K.

Vitamin C helps maintain healthy gums and teeth by producing collagen, a protein that keeps gums strong. Not getting enough vitamin C can cause scurvy and lead to bleeding gums.

Vitamin K regulates blood clotting and can prevent bleeding gums. A shortage of vitamin K can cause excessive bleeding, including bleeding gums.

To prevent bleeding gums from vitamin deficiency, it’s essential to eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins C and K.

Proper Oral Care Techniques To Avoid Gum Bleeding

Here are some oral care techniques that can help you with tooth decay and avoid gum bleeding and prevent gum disease:

Brush Using a Soft Toothbrush

Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a gentle brushing technique to avoid irritating the gums. Regular brushing keeps your teeth clean, ensures plaque removal and avoids tartar buildup.

Flossing Regularly

Implement a daily flossing routine along with your brushing routine to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth and along the gumline. Ensure you are using the correct flossing technique using dental floss to avoid gum damage.

Use Antibacterial Mouthwashes And Fluoride Toothpaste

You can use an antiseptic mouthwash along with brushing your teeth to reduce bacteria and freshen your breath. Just make sure you dont substitute brushing with rinsing and don’t rinse straight after brushing as this can remove the helpful fluoride in your toothpaste that strengthens tooth enamel. Antibacterial mouthwash can help prevent gingivitis and maintain your oral health.

Quit Smoking And Adopt A Healthy Diet

If your gums are bleeding when you brush, avoid smoking and using tobacco products, which can irritate the gums and increase the risk of gum disease.

Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limit sugary and starchy foods that can contribute to plaque buildup.

Visit The Dentist Regularly

Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup and to identify and treat gum disease in its early stages.

By following these oral care techniques, you can maintain healthy gums and prevent bleeding during brushing or flossing. If you experience persistent bleeding or other symptoms of gum disease, it’s essential to speak with your dentist or dental hygienist for further evaluation and treatment.

Contact Us

If you are experiencing dental health problems and wish to stop bleeding gums, get in touch with our friendly staff at Kensington Dental Care today to book an appointment and get your gum health back on track.