Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush?
Been noticing some pink in the sink?
Bleeding gums are common, but they aren’t normal, so let’s get you back to healthy gums!
First things first, what causes the bleeding? It could be for one of 4 reasons.
1.Plaque Build-up
Plaque build-up settles on the gumline, and irritates the gums. They can become swollen and inflamed and bleed easily. This early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. Best part? It’s reversible!
After 24 hours plaque build up (that little fur on your teeth) can begin to solidify, so we always say ‘Brush twice a day, 2 minutes each time.” Before that stage it is easy to brush away with any old toothbrush, but once it has become solid, it may need some extra work to get it off. i.e. a dentist using a scaler to get that limescale off and get you good as new again.
So avoiding this hassle? Brush twice a day, morning and night for two whole minutes. Set the timer if you have to!
2. Skipping the Floss
You’ve heard it time and time again. Dentists continue to remind you. Floss, floss, floss. So why is it so important? Imagine your teeth as dice or boxes stacked up against one another. With a toothbrush, manual or electric, you can only brush 3/5 surfaces above the gum. The biting, the cheek and the tongue. So what about those two surfaces facing each other between your teeth. They collect build-up just the same as the rest of our teeth, so it’s important to get in there with the floss.
2. Brushing Too Hard
You could be brushing too hard. But what solution could there possibly be? We often find that when we brush our teeth, it is a subconscious act. We’re thinking about other things while we brush, or we’re switched off entirely. It’s then that we can brush like a madman. And if we’re already using a hard/medium bristled brush, we could be causing more problems for our teeth. So, IF you’re able to carve out 2 minutes twice a day to brush your teeth, try to make it a conscious 2 minutes. Brush with intention and care.
4. Early Gum Disease
You could have early gum disease, other signs include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Red and inflamed gums
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
Your safest bet? Talking with a dentist about your concerns so they can help you get back on the right track and organise those deep cleans if you need them.
So what should we be doing to avoid bleeding gums?
- Brush twice daily for two whole minutes
- Floss or use interdental brushes daily
- Don’t ignore the bleeding, and don’t put off brushing to avoid it
- Brush with intention and care
- Book a professional clean.
At DBay Dental, we are happy to talk with you about all of these things and help you feel confident in your smile again. So Book in today!