Are Bleeding Gums When Brushing Your Teeth Normal?
Would you consider this normal if your scalp started to bleed while washing your hair? You would be very worried, but many people think having bleeding gums when brushing your teeth is normal. But is it normal for your gums to bleed while brushing your teeth? This is not the case; it’s a strong indication that you need to take better care of your teeth. Not brushing and flossing correctly can also lead to tooth decay and other problems with your teeth in the future.
Causes Of Bleeding Gums When Brushing Teeth
When plaque is not cleaned from your teeth and gums regularly, the hundreds of bacteria in the plaque can cause the gums to become irritated. This constant irritation causes the gums to become swollen, red, and sore to brush. You may have heard of gingivitis, a fancy name for gum inflammation. Normal healthy gums are pink, aren’t mad, and do not bleed when brushing.
Gum Disease
Bleeding gums when brushing teeth can be a sign of gum disease, so it is not normal. You must visit a dentist immediately for an evaluation if your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth.
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that build up along the gum line, and the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) can cause inflammation and bleeding. If left untreated, gum disease can progress and cause more serious oral health problems like tooth loss or bone loss in the jaw.
It is essential to practice good oral hygiene habits at home, including brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing once daily. This will help reduce the build-up of plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease. Seeing a dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups is also essential.
What’s The Treatment For Bleeding Gums?
Unfortunately, bleeding gums when brushing teeth is a vicious cycle: plaque causes gingivitis and bleeding, and the bleeding puts people off brushing, so the plaque stays on the teeth, which causes further gum irritation and bleeding. You need to break the cycle, which requires dedication to taking care of your teeth and gums and avoiding some common brushing mistakes.
Brushing your teeth when you have gingivitis is painful as the gums are tender and may bleed at the slightest touch. But brushing and flossing your teeth thoroughly is the only way to make your gums healthy and stop the bleeding. If you have tartar build-up, you may need a visit with your dentist to remove tartar, as this is a complex substance and cannot be removed with a toothbrush.
Diligently brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once daily will gradually make your gums pink and healthy again. Think of bleeding gums as your body telling you that you need to take better care of them. Bleeding gums should motivate you to clean your teeth better rather than discourage you. It may take a couple of weeks, but you will notice that your gums become pink, don’t bleed when brushing, and will no longer cause pain. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the only way to keep your teeth and gums healthy, and it is well worth the effort.
