If you notice small amounts of blood in the sink after brushing and rinsing, then this blog is for you. Bleeding gums are among the most common complaints patients report during their dental check-ups with us and can indicate early signs of gingivitis. And whilst it can be worrying to see blood when you’re brushing or flossing, it’s often a sign that your gums just need a little extra TLC.
The good news is that, when caught early, bleeding gums are usually straightforward to treat! Keep reading to find out how.
Why Do Gums Bleed?
To put it plainly, healthy gums don’t bleed during normal brushing. Bleeding occurs when plaque builds up and causes inflammation, making the gum tissue sensitive and more likely to bleed when disturbed. Some other common causes of gum bleeding include:
- Brushing too hard or with a hard-bristle toothbrush
- Not regularly cleaning between your teeth
- Smoking and/or vaping
- Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy
- Certain medical conditions and/or medications
Whilst bleeding gums are common, it’s not something you should ignore.
What To Do If Your Gums Are Bleeding
If you’ve only noticed a small amount of bleeding, don’t stop your brushing routine. Our Salisbury-based dentist recommends continuing to brush twice a day gently with a fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Good oral hygiene will help to remove any plaque that is causing the gum inflammation in the first place.
If you notice that bleeding continues for more than a week, or if your gums feel swollen or you’re experiencing persistent bad breath, then it’s time to book a check-up at Sarum Dental in Salisbury. Early treatment is often far more effective and comfortable than waiting until your symptoms worsen!
How Can Sarum Dental Help Bleeding Gums?
We regularly see patients with bleeding gums or early signs of gum disease. Here’s what you can expect during your consultation:
- During your appointment, we’ll examine your teeth and gums in order to identify the cause of your bleeding.
- You may have dental X-rays taken to make sure we’re getting a full picture of your dentition.
- If required, we may recommend a professional hygiene appointment at our Salisbury dental practice to help eliminate plaque and tartar that can’t be removed at home.