Do your gums bleed when brushing your teeth? This common occurrence might initially seem like the result of brushing too hard, but that’s not always the case. Bleeding gums can be a sign of several other issues that you shouldn't ignore.
Whether it’s something as manageable as adjusting your brushing approach or something that needs a dentist’s attention, like gum disease, getting to the root of the problem can help prevent more serious oral health issues down the line.
So, why do your gums bleed every time you brush your teeth? Let's delve into this question and discover what your symptoms might be telling you.
Let's take a closer look at the different causes of gum bleeding when brushing teeth:
Beyond the common bleeding gums causes discussed above, delve further into what other conditions may contribute to this issue.
Looking for ways on how to stop your mouth or gums from bleeding whenever you brush your teeth? Here’s what you need to know:
Aim to brush your teeth at least twice a day,preferably with fluoride toothpaste. Why fluoride? Because it helps to strengthen your tooth enamel, which is vital for warding off the bacteria that lead to gum inflammation and bleeding.
For instance, atoothpaste for sensitive gumslike theAdvanced Gum Health Fluoride Toothpasteis specifically formulated to enhance gum health, featuring Allantoin for tissue regeneration and a blend of Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC), Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Xylitol, and Zinc Citrate. These ingredients collectively fight plaque and help keep the mouth healthy and fresh.
Another ideal choice is theExtra Gentle Hypoallergenic Fluoride Toothpaste. Like the Advanced Gum Health Fluoride Toothpaste, it is formulated with Fluoride, Xylitol, and Cetylpyridinium Chloride. Plus, this Extra Gentle Hypoallergenic Fluoride Toothpaste is clinically tested against contact dermatitis to help prevent irritation or further oral issues for those already dealing with gum bleeding.
Lastly, options like theOptimal A.R.T. Active Remineralization Toothpasteacts as a restorative solution for weakened enamel. It’s formulated with hydroxyapatite, a primary mineral found in tooth enamel, helping to repair demineralised areas and restore enamel strength. Additionally, it includes Xylitol, which helps raise saliva pH levels, speeding up the enamel remineralisation process. This, in turn, supports healthier gums by reducing irritation around the teeth.
2. Don’t Forget to Floss
Flossing is an often overlooked aspect of one's oral hygiene routine, yet it plays a pivotal role in preventing gum bleeding. It reaches where your toothbrush usually can't, helping to address the lurking plaque that leads to gum issues.
So, the next time you're shopping, don’t forget to add floss to your cart. You can check out options like theFlossCare Plus PTFE Mint Floss. This taped floss is ideal for those with sensitive gums, as its wider, flatter shape, combined with smooth PTFE material, ensures it slides easily between teeth. This design reduces gum irritation while still providing a gentle yet thorough clean.
Or, consider theFlossPick Y 2-IN-1 PTFE Back Teeth Mint Flosser. Its Y-shaped, angled design is designed to enhance reach and manoeuvrability, allowing for easy access to the back teeth, which are often challenging to clean. Plus, its smooth, shred-resistant material is soft and gentle on your gums, ensuring a thorough clean without harming sensitive gum tissue.
For those looking for an alternative to traditional floss, thePortable Water Flosseroffers a different approach by using targeted water pressure to clean between teeth. It’s particularly useful for individuals with sensitive gums, as it reduces the irritation that string floss can sometimes cause. With its Periodontal Nozzle attached, it targets and effectively cleans gum pockets, making it ideal for those with gum disease. Plus, it comes with three adjustable pressure settings to suit different comfort levels and cleaning needs, making it ideal for more personalised teeth and gum care.
3. Use a Fluoride Mouthwash
In addition to brushing and flossing, incorporating fluoride mouthwash into your daily dental care can further support your oral hygiene.Mouthwash assists in rinsing away debris and bacteriafrom areas that might not be thoroughly reached by brushing, including on surfaces like the cheeks and tongue. This step helps manage the conditions that lead to gum disease by maintaining cleanliness throughout the mouth.
Pearlie White’sFluorinze Anti-Bacterial Fluoride Mouth Rinse, for example, combines fluoride's enamel-strengthening ability with the bacteria-fighting abilities of Tea Tree Oil and Thymol to target and reduce oral bacteria, helping prevent the development of plaque and gum disease.
If you prefer amouthwash without alcohol, don’t worry, Pearlie White’s entire line is alcohol-free, ensuring it is gentle on teeth and gums and suitable for daily use.
4. Use Soft Bristled Toothbrushes
Using a toothbrush with hard or rough bristles might seem like it cleans more optimally, but it can actually damage your gums and enamel, leading to gum irritation and even more bleeding. A soft-bristled toothbrush, on the other hand, provides the gentle care your gums need.
Consider options like theBrushCare Enamel Protect Adult Soft Toothbrush. Its slim handle and compact head make reaching the back of the mouth easier, and its densely packed, micro-fine, soft bristles are polished and end-rounded to be gentle on both your gums and enamel.
Similarly, theBrushCare Professional Regular Soft Toothbrushalso features a small, compact head with polished end-rounded bristle. However, it comes with non-slip grip areas on its handle to give you better control to avoid sudden, harsh movements that could irritate your gums.
5. Regular Dental Visits
It’s easy to assume brushing and flossing are enough, but regular dental visits provide a deeper level of care. These check-ups not only help spot any early gum issues but also give your gums the professional attention that at-home care alone might miss.
6. Tooth Scaling and Root Planing
Tooth scaling and root planing are dental treatments dentists perform to reach below the gum line, clearing out plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t. This process supports healthier gums by addressing factors that may lead to gum irritation and bleeding, offering a thorough cleaning foundation for improved gum health.
7. Antibiotics
Antibiotics may treat infections that lead to gum bleeding, either as oral medication or directly applied to the gums. However, only take medications prescribed to you by a licensed healthcare professional for safe use.
8. Increase Intake of Vitamin C and K
A diet rich in vitamins C and K can go a long way in supporting gum health. For vitamin C, include foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, and bell peppers in your diet. Meanwhile, for vitamin K, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli are great choices.
Keep Your Gums Happy and Healthy
To maintain optimal gum health, equip yourself withgum care productswith gentle formulations, such as those fromPearlie White, and embrace a thorough dental routine. However, if problems like persistent gum bleeding or discomfort arise, don’t hesitate to seek professional dental care and advice.
Stay proactive in your dental health journey to ensure your gums stay healthy and happy.
