Gums Bleed When Brushed | Why?

gums bleed when brushed

If you only floss occasionally then it is usually normal that your gums bleed when brushed. Hopefully at least they then consider flossing more. When there is bleeding with brushing, most people brush their teeth less vigorously. This is actually usually the wrong thing to do. It may be that you actually don’t know how to brush the right way. Unfortunately, most people don’t learn the best ways to brush your gums. Do your gums bleed when you brush? Are you thinking that you are brushing too vigorously? Let us discuss reasons why your gums might bleed when you brush.

Do you have a lot of pressing questions about how to best care for your smile? Does your computer or “smart phone” keep giving you a bunch of clashing answers or even advertisements for the latest whitening toothpaste or mouthwash? Your preventive dentist is actually one of your greatest sources of wisdom, when it comes to what oral care should really include. Seeing the dentist regularly is also an essential part of preventive oral care. Fortunately, the other steps you can and should be taking to protect your smile are not difficult or even time consuming. They juts require you to form some healthy habits, that can help to keep both your teeth and gums healthy.

Should my gums bleed when I floss?

Many people ignore bleeding, when flossing their teeth, thinking that this is a normal part of the process. Some may even quit flossing thinking that it is to blame for the bleeding. Sadly, bleeding gums are actually indication that the gums’ health is already in jeopardy, likely due to tartar buildup on the teeth, which can create acidity that causes inflammation in the gums.

Most studies estimate that at least half of Americans are likely struggling with gum disease. If you don’t want to be among them, make sure you are brushing and flossing your teeth every day, but also that you are seeing the dentist regularly for preventive cleanings. Regular dental appointments are one of the best ways to prevent both gum disease and cavities, which are among the most common oral health threats faced by Americans, both adults and children, alike.

If your gums bleed when brushed, there is something wrong

There are several reasons why your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth. How often do you brush? You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. However if you don’t brush or floss often, your gums will be sensitive which can cause bleeding. There are other reasons your gums may bleed, too, including:

  • A Lapse in Dental Care: Many people without dental insurance or who have lost their jobs lapse in their dental care. If you have stopped receiving professional dental cleanings twice yearly your gums may begin to bleed.
  • Systemic Disease: Certain systemic diseases, such as diabetes and cancer, can contribute to tender and bleeding gums.
  • Medications: Some blood pressure medications can cause your gums to bleed when brushing.
  • Dental Treatments: Dental treatments that have not been performed properly or that are ill fitting, such as fillings or crowns, can trap bacteria and cause bleeding gums.
  • Damaged Tooth: A chipped, fractured, or otherwise damaged tooth can get invaded with bacteria causing your gums to bleed when you brush.
  • Malocclusion: Misaligned, overlapping, or crowded teeth can cause bleeding gums.
  • Periodontal Disease: The buildup of plaque and tartar around and under the gumline causes irritation, infection, and bleeding gums.

Learn more why your gums bleed when brushed

Aside from providing dependable general and restorative dentistry services to our community, Dr. James Fondriest also holds respected academic appointments at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, and the Spear Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, and he is an adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Florida Dental School. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, Dr. Fondriest combines his impressive array of experience with modern technology and caring, compassionate, knowledgeable staff, and we proudly serve patients from Chicago and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (847) 234-0517.