“My gums bleed when I brush my teeth”, how many times do dentists hear this phrase repeated by frightened patients. Many times it is gingivitis, a disease that can be treated effectively but must never be neglected. It is very common for patients to be afraid when their gums bleed after brushing their teeth. Many stop brushing their teeth but this is a serious mistake as doing so will make the problem worse since it is caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque. Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth is a problem that affects almost all adults and that in most cases is treated simply by improving oral hygiene. If you notice blood on your toothbrush, it is important to reach out to your dentist, so that they can help correctly diagnose and treat the underlying problem. Don’t be super concerned just yet, but make sure you speak with your dentist.
Gums bleed teeth brushing: should I worry?
As we have said, gum bleeding when brushing your teeth is a rather common problem. Avoiding brushing your teeth for the pain is certainly understandable but wrong. Also for this reason, many dentists recommend using soft bristle brushes or antibacterial mouthwashes in order to disinfect the oral cavity and counteract gingivitis before it becomes periodontitis. Bleeding gums when brushing is in fact a clear symptom of something wrong and if no countermeasures are taken it is likely that the disorder will rapidly evolve into periodontal disease. Periodontitis could also cause tooth loss, one more reason to brush your teeth well, often, and properly.
Bleeding gums when brushing teeth: tips for oral hygiene
With bleeding gums, normal oral hygiene practices may become too bothersome. However, to brush your teeth it is recommended to use an electric or manual toothbrush with a small head and soft and rounded bristles. The toothbrush should be used with gentle movements, avoiding circular or elliptical movements in the mouth. It will also be very important to change your toothbrush every three months. Using dental floss could help remove food particles and even plaque from hard-to-reach areas such as those found between the teeth. To this end, it is advisable to floss at least twice a day, preferably before brushing your teeth. Many dentists recommend using a fluoride toothpaste as it is a product that serves to reduce the accumulation of plaque bacteria that irritate the gums and cause gum disease. With bleeding gums when brushing my teeth however the best thing to do is always speak to the dentist as soon as possible. In this sense, carrying out regular checks could help identify and treat the symptoms of gum disease before they worsen, causing even serious damage to the oral cavity. Also keep in mind that having a very low nutrient diet could make your teeth and gums more vulnerable. To avoid bleeding gums while brushing, the best thing would be to adopt a healthy lifestyle and a correct diet.