Top 10 Causes of Bleeding Gums
At the offices of Bondi Dental, we provide world-class dental care to patients throughout the Bondi Beach area.
We are a resource for dental health beyond just providing periodontal treatments, and we’re always here to answer the questions our patients ask us.
And often, we receive questions about bleeding gums.
If you’ve ever noticed traces of crimson on your toothbrush or in your sink after brushing or flossing your teeth, you may be concerned and uncertain about what is happening.
You may be equally unsure as to what you can do about it.
The good news is that in most cases slight hints of blood from the gums are not that serious, and with a prompt, thorough response, the cause can be identified and treatment can stop the bleeding and restore your gums to the pink of health.
Below, we list some of the most common causes of bleeding gums, and what you can do as well as how Bondi Dental can help you.
Causes of bleeding gums
This is number one with a bullet – far and away, the most common cause of bleeding gums.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is among the most common dental maladies. Gingivitis is also associated with swollen and tender gums.
Gingivitis sets in when plaque at the gum line is not removed. This plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria that infect the gums and cause bleeding.
The good news is that gingivitis can be halted and turned back before it develops into something worse.
The number one defence against gingivitis is nothing more complicated than good, regular brushing and flossing.
Some medications lead to easier bruising and bleeding. These medicines include some medicines used to thin the blood.
If you are on any medication, you must let your Bondi dentist know, as this can affect your oral health and how your dentist will treat you.
If the problem is acute, your dentist and/or doctor may recommend different oral care routines or medications.
#3: New flossing regimen
Your dentist wants you to floss, but if you’ve never flossed before, or changed your floss or flossing practices, it can lead to some bleeding of the gums.
Give your new flossing routine a couple of days, and if the bleeding persists, visit your dentist.
#4: New toothbrush
A new toothbrush, or a shift from a soft-bristled brush to a hard-bristled one bristles, can cause bleeding. In this case, the bleeding is telling you to be a bit less vigorous.
Most dentists recommend soft-bristled toothbrush, precisely because hard-bristles can do damage.
You might also be brushing too hard, or with bad technique, and your dental office will be happy to teach you safer, more efficient techniques.
#5: Pregnancy Gingivitis
This is a rare one, but pregnancy releases a variety of hormones that can cause increased blood flow to the gums.
This makes the gums particularly vulnerable to bacteria and plaque, leading to gum bleeding and tenderness. Pregnancy Gingivitis usually stops shortly after delivery.
#6: Poor nutrition
Highly processed foods contain ingredients that can aggravate gums and cause minor gum bleeding. Choose more nutritious alternatives.
Veggies, fruit, and foods containing nutrients like calcium, vitamins D and C, and magnesium are part of your oral health. Be sure to get your daily recommended allowances of vitamins and minerals.
#7: Poor oral hygiene
This is probably the second most common cause of bleeding gums. Even a short period of poor oral hygiene habits can cause bleeding gums.
And if your oral hygiene is generally poor, bleeding gums become a certainty. The best answer? Follow your dentist’s advice on brushing, flossing, and visiting the dental office.
Constant stress damages your immune system. This makes it more difficult to fight off any sicknesses, including gum disease.
Tension also causes general inflammation, which breaks down mouth tissues and makes healing more difficult.
#9: Misaligned Bite
Misaligned teeth can lead to “bite disease,” another potential cause of bleeding gums.
If your teeth are misaligned, the wrong type of pressure is applied to the wrong places when you grind your teeth or bite down.
#10: Vaping or smoking
This one should be obvious – vaping and smoking simply aren’t good for you, and they increase your risk of oral health problems, including bleeding gums.
Dentists and doctors are unanimous on the need to quit using tobacco products.
The Dental Advantage in Bondi
Bondi Dental’s convenient location is in the Eastern Suburbs – Bondi Beach, Bondi in Sydney. Our skilled dental professionals have over 60 years of experience in all fields of dentistry.
We provide high quality dental preventative, restorative, and cosmetic services for all patients in the region.
Bondi Dental has free parking behind our building and offers a FREE Dental Consultation, including a complete dental check-up.
We are open seven days a week 8 am – 8 pm!