“Why do my teeth bleed when I brush them” – this is one of the most commonly asked questions from dentists. A dentist needs to conduct an evaluation to be better able to guide you about the reasons for bleeding gums and how it can be stopped.
In some cases, the reason can be as simple as wearing dentures or brushing your teeth too hard. However, bleeding gums when brushing teeth indicate the onset of an oral health condition. This is why it is important to visit your dentist if you frequently encounter blood in your gums when you brush.
On this note, let’s take a look at some of the main causes about this:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is caused by the presence of plaque on the gumline and teeth. Normally, poor oral hygiene is the major reason for plaque build-up. This condition can cause your gums to become tender, swollen, and bleed as well, particularly when you brush. It is basically the primary stage of periodontal disease. Your dentist will conduct an oral health assessment to figure out the cause of gingivitis and treat it accordingly.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy brings about different changes in a woman’s body. One of them is bleeding gums when brushing. This condition in pregnancy is majorly caused due to hormonal changes.
It can, however, be avoided by taking good care of your oral health. Follow the practice of using fluoridated toothpaste to brush your teeth twice a day. Don’t forget to floss them daily. Furthermore, you can also consult your dentist for the best mouthwash for bleeding gums.
Medications
Certain medications, such as blood-thinning medicines, may also make your gums bleed when brushing your teeth. This is due to the fact that they reduce the ability of the blood to clot. This can result in bleeding. It is important that you consult your physician as early as possible if the situation persists.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Among other causes, the deficiency of Vitamin C and K can also cause bleeding gums. So, if there’s no other oral health issue, your doctor may check the Vitamin C and K levels of your body. In such a condition, they will recommend you to have a nutrient and vitamin-rich diet, such as citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, potatoes, bell peppers, kale, spinach, watercress, lettuce, etc.
Health Problems
Certain health problems, such as blood clotting disorders, leukemia, liver disease, anemia, and temporal arteritis can cause your gums to bleed. Ways to stop bleeding gums, in such a scenario, depend on your medical condition and ongoing treatment.
Poor Diet
When you eat too much sugary and processed foods, there is a risk of bleeding gums and several other oral health issues. Therefore, it is recommended to have a balanced diet. Make sure to include fruits and vegetables in it along with food products rich in vitamins, magnesium, and calcium. Visit your dentist as they will advise you on how to stop bleeding gums caused by poor diet.
Wrapping Up
The treatment for bleeding gums mainly depends on the reasons that have caused it. This is why it is important to book your appointment with a dentist at the earliest. The sooner the issue is diagnosed and treated, the better it is for your oral and overall health.