Tasting blood in one’s mouth can bring panic, especially if you know that you did not bite or scratch your tongue. Seeing blood after you brush or floss your teeth could mean many things. Before you panic, it is best to know what exactly is happening inside your mouth. Here are the most common reasons there is bleeding in one’s mouth to give you an idea of what it could be.
Possible Causes of a Bleeding Gum
Reason 1: You Brush or Floss Strongly
You apply too much pressure while brushing or flossing, which can stain your gums. When the force is too much for the gums to handle, you can end up bleeding. It happens as a sign of irritation, but it is typically not something serious to worry about. Bleeding gum, for this reason, is highly common, and the solution for it is easy.
The next time you brush or floss your teeth, make sure to do it lightly. If you cannot help but apply more pressure when doing these hygienic steps, buying an electric toothbrush can help. Some electric toothbrushes can alert you whenever they detect too much pressure.
Reason 2: A New Toothbrush or a New Routine
The mouth can be pretty sensitive to something new. It can be because of a new toothbrush or a new dental routine. Like the first reason, it is not something you should be worried about. Your gums will soon get used to that new object or process with time.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush can lessen the irritation that your gums would feel. However, if the bleeding does not stop and continues for a week or so, make sure to contact your dentist right away for a quick checkup.
Reason 3: Blood Thinning Medications
Certain medications can also affect your gums, particularly if you are taking blood thinners. These medicines’ most common side effect is more bleeding than usual. It might manifest as bleeding gums, nosebleeds, heavier periods, or bruises. When you take these blood-thinning medicines, make sure to observe yourself and its side effects. In case the bleeding continues, contact your physician and report your observations.
Reason 4: Gum Disease
Bleeding gums are also a sign of gum disease. There are many possible reasons for this situation. One of the most common ones is the condition called gingivitis. It is a mild form of gum disease that can cause your gums to get irritated, tender, become too red, inflamed, and bleed.
It happens mainly because of plaque or bacteria accumulation on one’s teeth. Gingivitis is non-destructive periodontitis, but it can worsen and become more serious if not treated immediately. It can damage the bone underneath your gums and end up with you losing your teeth.
What Your Next Steps Should Be
If you notice that your gums have been bleeding regularly, the first thing you need to do is to set an appointment with your dentist. Usually, they would recommend a dental cleaning to address the problem right away. However, before they do that, they need to physically examine your mouth to check if it is not too sensitive for the procedure and gauge how widespread the condition is.
Dental cleaning comes in many levels. There is a regular dental cleaning and a deep dental cleaning. Your dentist would recommend how often you get these treatments until the situation goes back to normal. When the condition is already worse, they might recommend you get surgery to restore the already destroyed gum tissues.
Conclusion
Bleeding gums occur for many reasons. To get the appropriate treatment for it, you must understand the cause behind it. Visiting a dentist can help you determine the problem right away. Still, learning how to care for your mouth through better oral hygiene can prevent this problem in the first place.
Kabani Dental is where you would find trusted dentists in Marietta, GA. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your bleeding gums or other oral health concerns, feel free to visit us. Call +1 (770) 980-0432 to book an appointment.