What causes bleeding gums and how to treat them?
If the gums are healthy, they do not bleed even if you rub them a little rougher with a toothbrush, if you bite a harder fruit, and even remove tartar at the dental polyclinic.
Unfortunately, some people notice traces of blood almost every time they brush their teeth. Don’t ignore the problem because this phenomenon indicates inflammation of gums – gingivitis.
Healthy gums are pink in color and do not look as if they are inflamed. There is no gum recession because they cover the root of the tooth. Inflamed gums are dark pink to red and are soft and sensitive. Teeth can be sensitive and hurt when consuming sweet or cold food or when cleaning and brushing.
Patients often ignore the bleeding, hoping that it will go away on its own for a while. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems in the oral cavity and affect the stability and health of the teeth.
WHY DO GUM INFLAMMATION AND BLEEDING OCCUR?
One of the main causes of inflammation and sensitivity of the gums, and thus bleeding, is improper oral hygiene. As a result, bacteria accumulate between the teeth and deposit forms on them. Bacteria multiply and attack the gums, which, as a result, become sensitive, start receding and begin to bleed.
In addition, the causes of gingivitis and bleeding can be smoking, diabetes, stress, or hormonal changes during pregnancy.
How to prevent inflammation and bleeding of the gums?
Proper and regular oral hygiene is in the first place. Use a soft toothbrush, be sure to use dental floss or an interdental brush. That way, you will entirely remove food debris from the space between the teeth and clean them thoroughly.
In some cases, dentists advise switching to an electric brush for some time because it gently massages the gums with quick movements, improves circulation, and their resistance to bacteria.
What to do if inflammation and bleeding have already occurred?
If your gums bleed, no matter for how long, it is obligatory to contact your dentist. He/she will do an examination and give you advice on care and appropriate products that you can use, which will alleviate the condition.
Be sure to replace the toothbrush with a new one that is extra soft and has a large number of fibers that will gently nourish your gums. Remember to use an interdental brush, floss, and mouthwash if necessary.
There are also various herbal gels on the market that are recommended to patients to relieve symptoms and are used by massaging the gums in light circular motions.
If the inflammation is extremely strong and the gums bleed a lot, the dentist can help. He/she can advise you to do professional teeth cleaning and recommend antibiotics that can soothe the inflammation.
If you are pregnant and bothered by receding gums, or inflamed bleeding gums, consult a dentist on how you can treat them and be sure to strengthen oral hygiene.
The general advice is to avoid overheated or too cold food during the period when the gums are hypersensitive so that the gums are not further irritated.
If you have any questions regarding oral health or want to schedule an appointment, visit us in Belgrade at Trstenjakova 3 Street. You can also contact us by phone and schedule your check-up.