5 Causes of Bleeding Gums

Of all the signs your mouth can give you that something isn’t quite right, bleeding gums ranks at near the top of the list. When healthy, your gums should appear bright pink, with no swelling, tenderness, or inflammation. However, when gum tissue begins to bleed, especially after brushing or flossing, it can signify a variety of underlying health problems that require you seek out Eugene family dental care.

If you want to enjoy a healthy, great looking smile, you need to listen when your gums have something to say. So you can better understand what the problem may be, here are some of the common causes of bleeding gums.

Gingivitis

When plaque builds up on the surface of your teeth and along the gum line, your gums can become infected. The result is early stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Unlike most infections that cause noticeable symptoms, gingivitis causes almost no visible symptoms. This leaves many patients unaware they even have gum disease unless they take notice of the blood in their spit or on their toothbrush or floss.

Unfortunately, when left untreated, gingivitis can develop into the far more serious periodontitis, a devastating disease that destroys the underlying tissue and bone structures that hold our teeth into position. Periodontitis ranks as the leading cause of permanent tooth loss in adults.

Now the good news. The damage done by gingivitis can be reversed and the disease successfully treated. By making a commitment to brushing and flossing daily – and scheduling regular exams with Dr. Feldmanis – you can successfully prevent gingivitis and stop the disease from progression.

Smoking

Smokers have a higher risk of developing bleeding gums when compared to nonsmokers. When smoke is inhaled, it leaves toxins on the surface of teeth that can irritate gum tissue and that is hard to remove by brushing.

These toxic substances can cause gum tissue to become inflamed and to bleed. Smokers also tend to have weaker immune systems, making them more prone to infection. All of these factors contribute to making smokers more likely to suffer from poor oral health.

Poor Diet

Maintaining quality oral health also requires maintaining a balanced diet. And don’t fall into the trap of believing that “super” or “miracle” foods can help to prevent gum disease and decay. These types of foods simply don’t exist.

A healthy diet is one that cuts back on added sugars in favor of more fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only do foods high in sugar provide plaque and other harmful oral bacteria with the fuel needed to damage tooth enamel, they also offer less overall nutrition. Conversely, fresh fruits and vegetables, especially those with a high water content, almost act like nature’s toothbrush when eaten, as they flush the mouth and scrub our teeth.

Hormonal Changes

Women who are pregnant or who are experiencing other significant hormonal changes are more likely to develop bleeding gums. In fact, expectant mothers are at an especially high risk for what is known as pregnancy gingivitis, as fluctuating hormone levels makes developing gum disease likely.

If you think hormones may be the cause of your bleeding gums, make sure to ask Dr. Feldmanis for advise on how to change your oral health routine. Depending the current state of your oral health, you may need to receive Eugene family dental care more frequently.

Poor Oral Hygiene Habits

Whether you brush too hard, don’t brush at all, or regularly forget to floss, if you don’t remain committed to practicing quality oral hygiene the health of your gums will suffer. Just remember that gum tissue is relatively delicate, and you can damage or irritate it by brushing too hard.

Eugene Family Dental Care Can Make a Difference

Whatever the cause of your bleeding gums, you need to visit a dentist to make sure the problem is addressed before the underlying cause becomes more serious. If your gums bleed, call our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Feldmanis and start taking back your oral health.