You’re brushing your teeth and notice a bit of pink in the sink. Or maybe your toothbrush has some blood on it. If this keeps happening, it’s worth paying attention to.
Bleeding gums aren’t normal. When your gums bleed, something’s not right. Studies show 42% of adults over 30 have gum disease and bleeding is usually the first sign. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Gums Bleed
It’s Usually Plaque
Most of the time, bleeding happens because plaque builds up where your teeth meet your gums. Plaque is that sticky stuff that forms when you haven’t brushed well enough or often enough.
When plaque sits there too long, it hardens into tartar. Your gums get irritated and inflamed. This is gingivitis. Inflamed gums are sensitive, so they bleed when you brush or floss.
Maybe You’re Brushing Too Hard
Sometimes you’re actually cleaning too roughly. If you scrub hard at your teeth, you can hurt your gums. Same with flossing. Snapping the floss between your teeth will make them bleed.
Use a soft toothbrush and be gentle.
Other Reasons Your Gums Might Bleed
Plaque is the main reason, but there are others:
Health and lifestyle stuff:
- Blood thinners like aspirin make bleeding more likely (affects 62% of people taking them)
- Being pregnant changes your hormones and makes gums more sensitive
- Stress makes it harder for your body to fight infections
- Smoking is really bad for your gums (triples your risk)
Changes to your routine:
- Using a new toothbrush with harder bristles
- Starting to floss again after not doing it for ages
- Just had a cleaning and your gums were already a bit inflamed
How to Stop the Bleeding
Brush Better
Brush twice a day for two minutes. Use a soft brush and angle it toward your gums at 45 degrees. Move it in small circles. Don’t scrub.
Get a new toothbrush every three months. If you’re not sure whether electric or manual is better for you, both work fine if you use them right.
Brush at the Right Time
When you brush matters too. Timing helps keep plaque under control.
Floss Every Day
You need to clean between your teeth. That’s where a lot of plaque hides. When you start flossing after not doing it for a while, your gums might bleed for a few days. That’s normal. Keep going and it’ll stop.
Be gentle with the floss. Don’t force it. If regular floss is tricky for you, try interdental brushes instead. Some people find them easier.
Get Regular Cleanings
You can’t remove tartar yourself. Even if you brush and floss perfectly, some builds up in spots you can’t reach. That’s why you need professional cleanings every six months.
Your dentist checks your gums too and can spot problems before they get worse.
When to See Your Dentist
Don’t Ignore These Signs
Book an appointment if:
- Your gums still bleed after a week of better brushing
- They look red or puffy
- You’ve got bad breath that won’t go away
- Your gums are pulling back from your teeth
If you ignore gingivitis, it can turn into periodontitis. That’s when the bone around your teeth starts breaking down. About 8% of adults end up with severe gum disease that can make them lose teeth.
What Your Dentist Will Do
They’ll have a look at your gums and might do a deep clean called scaling and root planing. It gets rid of plaque under your gumline.
Worried about the dentist? You’re not alone. If you get anxious about dental visits, let them know. Most practices can help make it easier.
Keeping Your Gums Healthy
Stick to the Basics
Keep brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. Your diet and lifestyle habits affect your gums more than you’d think.
People who don’t floss have 53% more gum disease than people who floss daily. That’s a pretty big difference.
If You’re on Medication or Pregnant
Tell your dentist if you’re taking blood thinners or if you’re pregnant. They need to know so they can adjust how they treat you.
Think Long Term
Your gums hold your teeth in place. Look after them now and you’ll keep your healthy teeth and gums for life.
Bleeding gums are your mouth’s way of telling you something needs to change. Usually it’s simple stuff like brushing better or flossing more. Sometimes you need professional help. Either way, don’t just ignore it.
If your gums bleed when you brush, the team at Najmi Dental in Fairfield can take a look and figure out what’s going on. Sorting it out early is always easier than waiting.
