Chances are you have experienced some level of gum bleeding in your lifetime; but when do you need to investigate further? Are bleeding gums something you must live with, or is it a sign of something else?

Well, we recommend having that discussion when you visit our team at St. Jacobs Dental Care. There are multiple reasons why someone may experience bleeding gums, but before anything else, we need you to prioritize your oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene can help prevent a whole host of dental issues.

Your Family Dentist in St. Jacobs Can Help You Alleviate Bleeding Gums

Many of the common reasons for bleeding gums can be eliminated with proper and consistent oral hygiene techniques – brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash and sticking to a healthy diet. However, if you think you’ve done everything you can and you still have persistent bleeding gums, it may be something we need to investigate.

Here are some of the most common reasons for your bleeding gums:

1. Brushing too hard or using the wrong technique or tools. Use a soft-bristled brush to protect your teeth and your gums. Harder is not better.
2. Starting a new flossing routine may cause your gums to bleed until your mouth gets used to the action.
3. Gingivitis is when a patient has inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of plaque at the gumlines. and is usually easily treated and prevented with good oral hygiene. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of gingivitis and should be investigated.
4. Periodontal Disease is slightly more complicated and the continuation of gingivitis if left untreated. Again, bleeding gums is one sign of periodontal disease and your family dentist in St. Jacobs can help you determine the underlying condition and the treatment plan.
5. Hormonal changes, for example due to pregnancy, can cause inflammation in your gums, leading to bleeding. This is extremely common and shouldn’t cause you any worry.
6. Bleeding gums may be a sign that your diet is lacking in Vitamin K (leafy greens, spinach, kale) or Vitamin C (citrus, strawberries, tomatoes).

While these are the most common reasons that we see, there may be something else going on. If your gums bleed for a long time or if they are sore, red, or swollen, visit us at St. Jacobs Dental Care.

If you are concerned, talk with your family dentist and your family doctor to get to the root cause. There are a host of medical conditions, which can lead to bleeding gums, but let’s rule out the obvious first!

As your family dentist, we are here to support you in your journey to optimal dental health.