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    Bleeding gum causes and what to do if your gum bleeds

    Reading time: 4 mins

    If your gum bleeds after flossing or brushing, it can be a little disconcerting. Even if it doesn’t always hurt, many people are shocked to see blood in the sink.

     

    Before anything else, let’s make it clear: if your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or eat hard foods, it’s worth seeing a dentist. Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which is common but can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.¹

     

    In this article, we will explore the common bleeding gum causes and ways to stop gum bleeding, such as:

     

    • Brushing twice a day
    • Cleaning interdental spaces
    • Using mouthwash
    • Visiting your dentist
    • Avoiding sugary food and drinks
    • Quitting smoking

     

    The reason for bleeding gums is often poor oral hygiene. If you improve your general tooth care, there’s a good chance you’ll no longer look in the mirror to discover your gum bleeding around one tooth.

     

    Read on to discover how to stop bleeding gums and prevent them in the future. After all, a healthy mouth and body need healthy gums.

     

    Tip: If you notice any bleeding when brushing teeth, you should seek medical advice from your family doctor or dentist. This could be a sign of developmental issues, so it is best to be proactive.

    Bleeding gums: causes

     

    So, you’ve noticed your gums bleeding after brushing, but do you know why? There are a number of reasons that could lead to bleeding around your teeth. Here is a list of what causes gums to bleed:

     

    • Inefficient or improper oral hygiene. If you do not take proper care of your teeth, bacteria will increase and produce plaque.²
    • Oral illnesses and infections. Gingivitis, periodontitis and other oral illnesses can cause gum bleeds.²
    • Underlying health conditions. If you are suffering from conditions such as leukaemia, you may find that your gums bleed more often than usual.³
    • Vitamin deficiency. Having the right vitamins and minerals is key to a healthy diet. A lack of Vitamin C may lead to issues with oral health such as bleeding gums.⁴
    • Ill-fitting dental appliances. Whether you are fitted with dentures, braces or other appliances, always ensure they fit your mouth and teeth properly.

     

    Tip: We can give a general overview of bleeding gums, but we can’t give you specialised medical advice. If you’re concerned about gum bleeds, consult your dentist.

    A dental hygienist is showing a blue electric toothbrush to his patient who is smiling at the appliance.

    How to stop bleeding gums

     

    Knowing the bleeding gum causes and when to contact your dentist is only half the story. The next step is to understand bleeding gums treatment.

     

    The most important thing when you want to stop gum bleeding is diligent oral care. These four steps may help to prevent gums bleeding after brushing:

     

    1. Brushing your teeth twice a day. Not only should you brush twice a day, but you should also know the correct technique for brushing your teeth. This includes brushing at a 45-degree angle, working up and down across the inner and outer surfaces, and of course, brushing for at least two minutes.⁵

      Tip: Choosing the right toothbrush plays a crucial role in achieving the best results when brushing your teeth. Did you know that with a modern sonic toothbrush you can remove plaque and bacteria much more efficiently from your teeth than with a manual toothbrush? The Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean has specifically been designed to be gentle on sensitive areas, automatically adjusting the intensity mode of the brush head for optimal performance.

    2. Cleaning interdental spaces. You may be tired of your dentist’s constant reminders to floss, but since plaque and bacteria like to gather mainly in interdental spaces, it really is a crucial part of your overall oral health plan. Make sure to clean your interdental spaces daily with dental floss, interdental brushes or an electric flossing device such as the Philips Sonicare Power Flosser.⁵

    3. Use mouthwash. While not an essential step in everyday oral care, using an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash complements your daily dental cleaning program. Rinsing with mouthwash will help to flush bacteria and plaque from your mouth, including hard-to-reach areas such as the interdental spaces. It’s best to use mouthwash at a time when you haven’t just brushed your teeth, such as after lunch, so you don’t rinse away the fluoride from your toothpaste.⁵

    4. Professional teeth cleaning. You may think that you are doing a good enough job on your own at home, but we recommend having your teeth professionally cleaned at your dentist’s at least once a year. This removes tartar and plaque, the most common causes of bleeding gums. In addition, your dentist will be able to identify if you have any more serious conditions that may need further treatment.

     

    Now that you know what to do when gums bleed, you probably want to know how to avoid it happening again in the future. Read on for some top tips and tricks to help you avoid gum bleeding around one tooth or more in the future.

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    How to prevent gum  bleeds

     

    In addition to following our four simple steps for bleeding gums treatment above, there are a few things you can do to prevent gum bleeding when brushing your teeth. Two significant ways to prevent gum bleeds are:

     

    • Avoid excessive consumption of sugary foods and drinks. These are known to attack enamel, potentially leading to tooth decay and other issues.
    • Reduce or quit smoking.¹ This will not only be beneficial for your overall physical health but is great for your teeth and gums as well. Smoking tobacco products dry out your mouth and promote increased levels of bacteria, plaque and tartar.

     

    So, there you go. You now have everything you need to achieve optimal oral health – bleeding-free. With our information on the top bleeding gums causes, four steps that help you understand what to do when gums bleed, and tips to prevent future occurrences, we have you covered. If you have any remaining concerns, though, pay a visit to your dentist.  

     

    Sources:
    ¹ Gum disease, NHS.
    ² Gum disease, NHS inform.
    ³ Acute myeloid leukaemia, NHS.
    Hujoel et al., Bleeding tendency and ascorbic acid requirements: systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials, Nutrition Reviews 79(9), 964–975.
    Teeth cleaning guide, NHS inform.

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