Why gums bleed and what to do about it

Bleeding gums — a serious signal that an inflammatory process is developing in the oral cavity. But before you panic, you should figure out why the gums bleed and what are the ways to treat this disease. If this problem is ignored, you can get gingivitis, periodontitis, bad breath and lose your teeth. Not to mention that gum disease can be an indirect cause of other bodily problems.

• Why gums bleed: the main reasons
• What are the ways to treat bleeding gums
• Bleeding gums: what to remember for prevention

Why do gums bleed: the main reasons

There are various reasons for this annoying problem. Some can be solved by changing just a toothbrush, in some cases you will have to undergo a complete examination of the body. But for starters, it’s worth finding out why the gums bleed.

Read also: Causes of caries: how to protect your teeth

Common causes of bleeding gums:

1. The toothbrush is too hard. If your teeth and gums are healthy, then brushing your gums can cause bleeding. Hard bristles injure the gums, so change your toothbrush to a medium or soft one. The latter is preferable.

2. Dental floss, toothpicks, whitening toothpastes, crackers and hard biscuits can injure soft tissues. Usually, bleeding is small and stops immediately after the withdrawal of the irritating factor.

3. Incorrectly fitted dental prostheses can lead to the development of gingivitis.

4. Plaque gradually turns into tartar, in which bacteria actively multiply. To eliminate it, you need to brush your teeth properly and contact a dentist in time.

5. Gingivitis and periodontitis are dangerous because teeth become loose and fall out. The first signs of gingivitis are swelling, inflammation and bleeding of the gums. Untreated gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, in which the gums that hold the tooth become inflamed.

6. Smoking also leads to bleeding gums. Burning tobacco produces toxic products that cause swollen and bleeding gums.

7. Pregnancy entails a change in hormonal levels. The gums of  pregnant women become looser and may bleed due to the slightest injury.

8. Tooth decay makes the gums more vulnerable.

9. Common diseases: diabetes mellitus, leukemia, liver cirrhosis, HIV. Bleeding gums — one of the  symptoms of these diseases, which can begin even with minor abrasions and  traumas.

10. Vitamin deficiency due to malnutrition. This leads to sensitivity of the gums and their bleeding.

What are the ways to treat bleeding gums

Bleeding gums can seem like an annoying nuisance. Since the gums don't hurt, we tend to think that we are fine. A dangerous delusion that badly affects the health of our teeth and spoils a beautiful smile.

Read also: How to choose a toothpaste: useful and dangerous ingredients

When you notice the regular appearance of blood on toothbrush, you don have so many options for further action:

1. Change your toothbrush to a softer one,pay attention to the composition of your toothpaste and the way you floss. Sometimes we traumatize the gums too much during a thorough brushing.

2. Make an appointment with the dentist.Only he can tell you what the real reason why your teeth are bleeding. First of all, it will be necessary to eliminate the cause of the inflammation, so the possible treatment will be the removal of plaque, tartar, treatment of gingivitis and other diseases of the oral cavity. Be sure to consult your doctor about which toothbrush, paste and floss you should use.

3. It is useful for bleeding gums to limit the intake of carbohydrates, spicy, salty and acidic foods

   and include in your diet foods rich in calcium and vitamin C.

How to properly floss and why to do it Bleeding gums: what to remember for prevention

If you don't like the taste of iron in your mouth and the prospect of losing your teeth, pay special attention to preventing bleeding gums.

It will consist of five simple rules:

1. Take proper care of your oral hygiene.

   Brush your teeth with gentle movements at least twice a day, use dental floss and mouthwash. Change your toothbrush every three months, use one that suits your teeth and won't hurt your gums. Be especially careful when using dental floss and toothpicks. Incorrect use may lead to injury and inflammation.

2. Get in the habit of doing do schedule an appointment with a toothache.

   There is a generally accepted rule —   visit the dentist every six months.

3. Rinse your mouth after eating.

   You can use water, and you can use special products and elixirs.

4. Eat less simple carbohydrates

    in the form of sugar and candy. A here vitamin C will not hurt. It prevents inflammatory processes.

5. Keep a healthy lifestyle.

   Physical activity, the ability to relax and enjoy life, giving up bad habits, a varied diet strengthen the immune system and teeth.

10 things to do every day to keep your teeth and gums healthy