Bleeding Gums: Causes and Fixes from Your Brighton Dentist

Does brushing and flossing make your gums bleed? This is a very common problem. Almost 29% of adult Australians have signs of gingivitis, while 1 in 5 suffers from the disease at any given time. Gum bleeding is one of the earliest signs that shows itself, and the best news about this sign is that it can be easily treated in most cases. The following article provides information on causes of gum bleeding, the situations when it can be treated with a home remedy, and those when you need the intervention of a Brighton dentist at Lifestyle Smiles.

Causes of Gum Bleeding

Bleeding of the gums occurs due to plaque, which is bacteria living inside your gums. If you allow the problem to go on untreated for a while, you'll notice that the gums are irritated, swollen, and bleeding. At this stage, the problem is called gingivitis and can be controlled through maintaining proper oral hygiene in the comfort of your home. Things will get worse when the plaque hardens and becomes calculus, and the gums will become hard to brush.

Other Causes: Beyond Gum Disease

The leading cause of bleeding is usually plaque, but there are also several other causes of excessive bleeding from the gums, including:

• Bad brushing method. The use of a toothbrush with hard bristles and pressing hard on the teeth may hurt the sensitive gums even when the gums are healthy.

• First-time flossing. For those who have just started flossing their teeth, minor bleeding during the first week is normal.

• Pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy increase blood flow to gums – this is what is called pregnancy gingivitis.

• Medications. Anticoagulants and other medicines make gums susceptible to bleeding even when brushed gently.

• Irritating dentures and old fillings. Dentures or fillings that do not fit well may irritate and hurt gums, causing bleeding.

• Health problems. Some diseases, such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders, predispose people to gum inflammation. If your bleeding does not follow the normal pattern associated with the presence of plaque, it would be good to tell your dentist about your health issues and medication at your next visit.

How Brushing and Flossing Technique Affects Your Gums

It is not only important how often you brush your teeth but also how you brush them. According to the government guidelines on oral health in Australia, it is advisable to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, using a soft-bristled brush and a circular motion instead of scrubbing up and down, as stated by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

Brushing your teeth once a day will help remove the plaque from the areas between the teeth, which the toothbrush cannot reach. If you have bleeding gums while you are brushing for the first few days, this is mostly due to inflammation and should not be an excuse to stop the practice.

When Should You See a Dentist About Bleeding Gums?

You should book a dental check-up if your gums bleed regularly, if the bleeding doesn't improve after a few days of careful brushing and flossing, or if you notice swelling, bad breath, or loose teeth alongside it. Left unchecked, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis, which can cause lasting damage to the bone and tissue that support your teeth.

Gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, which is part of why it's easy to overlook. Healthdirect Australia advises seeing a dentist or doctor if you have frequent or heavy bleeding in your mouth, since early treatment gives you the best chance of reversing it before it becomes a bigger problem.

How We Treat Bleeding Gums and Gum Disease

At Lifestyle Smiles, treating bleeding gums usually starts with a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and any hardened tartar from around your teeth and gumline. This is often enough to let gingivitis settle on its own once you're keeping the area clean at home. Our dentists will also check for any wider factors, such as an old filling that needs smoothing, a denture that needs adjusting, or a technique tweak that could help your brushing routine.

If we find signs of more advanced gum disease, we'll talk you through what that means and the treatment options available, including how often you might need follow-up visits to keep things under control. Every mouth is different, so what your treatment plan looks like will depend on what we find at your check-up.

Simple Steps to Stop Gums from Bleeding

A few consistent habits go a long way toward healthier, less bleeding-prone gums. Brush twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, using gentle circular motions rather than scrubbing. Floss once a day to clear plaque from between your teeth, and stick with it even if your gums bleed a little at first. Avoid smoking, since it's a major risk factor for gum disease, and book a professional clean every six months so your dentist can catch any plaque or tartar build-up before it becomes a bigger issue.

If you've tried all of this and your gums are still bleeding after a week or two, that's your cue to book a check-up rather than wait it out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my gums bleed occasionally while flossing?

This problem is quite common for those who start flossing their teeth and gums regularly, especially if their gums are inflamed because of the build-up of plaque. It is likely to stop after a couple of weeks. However, if it continues, schedule a visit to the dentist.

Which toothbrush do I need if I have bleeding gums?

A soft-bristled toothbrush is generally recommended, combined with gentle circular brushing instead of brushing teeth in a hard manner, since it may irritate the already irritated gums.

Are there any health conditions associated with bleeding gums?

Yes. For example, pregnancy, diabetes, some immunological diseases, and even some medications such as blood thinners can make your gums bleed more easily. Mention this information to your dentist.