Ever notice a bit of red in the sink after your usual routine? While it’s not exactly a pretty sight, a lot of people find themselves wondering – why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth? Aspire Dental Wellness is here to help. Here’s everything you need to know about the causes, as well as how you can get back to a healthy, comfortable smile in no time.
Bottom Line – Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?
There are many reasons why gums would get irritated from brushing teeth. It can be as simple as – you’re doing it too hard. It’s also a common symptom of gingivitis and periodontitis, which are different stages of gum disease. Hormone fluctuations, vitamin deficiencies, and certain health conditions such as diabetes can also be behind the irritation.
Maybe the Toothbrush You’re Using Is Too Hard on Your Teeth
Sure, keeping up with your oral hygiene routine is the pillar of great dental health. However, how you do it and what you’re using matters just as much. So, reevaluate your usual routine – are you brushing too hard? Should you be using a different toothbrush? Are there any specific rinses you could try?
You can always schedule a dentist appointment and talk with them about what you can do differently. Of course, this is the perfect chance for your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark to take a look at your teeth and figure out what exactly is going on.
Irritated Gums Can Be a Symptom of Gingivitis or Periodontitis
So, besides the obvious, why do the gums bleed when I brush my teeth? Well, this kind of sensitivity and swelling is a common symptom of gum disease. Its early stage, gingivitis, develops from plaque building up at the gumline.
With regular dental cleaning and exams, you’ll always be able to stay on top of it, as your dentist in Charlotte, NC, will be able to catch any signs early on. If left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis, an advanced type of gum disease that can cause receding gums and tooth loss, among other things.
Aspire Dental Wellness Offers Effective Solutions for Periodontal Disease
There are plenty of different treatments for periodontal disease, but some of them can be pretty invasive. However, our team, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, is dedicated to holistic dentistry practice, meaning we always have your overall well-being in mind, and that includes feeling comfortable.
Out of the solutions we offer, Perio ProtectⓇ is an effective and simple method to treat gum disease. We’ll get you a custom-built tray and some hydrogen peroxide gel to take home with you. You’ll also get clear instructions on how to treat yourself from the comfort of your own couch for just 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
Besides Perio ProtectⓇ, we offer laser treatment for periodontal disease. This advanced technology has made way for completely non-invasive, stress-free dentistry. Of course, it’s not on you to decide – we’ll talk through the options together and come up with a personalized treatment plan just for you.
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss and Brush? Sometimes, It’s Not Dental-Related
Sometimes, swollen and irritated gums can be caused by factors that go beyond your oral health. Your Charlotte, NC, dentist can still help here, but they might forward you to another specialist. So, let’s take a look at a couple of common case scenarios.
Diabetes and Other Health Conditions Can Be Behind It
Not many people are aware that diabetes affects teeth and gums, but when you think about it, this makes perfect sense. The high sugar levels make it super easy for bacteria to breed and spread. On top of that, blood circulation can limit how much oxygen and nutrients reach your gums, which can obviously result in irritation and swelling.
Diabetes and dental health are tightly interconnected, but there are other conditions that could cause irritated gums, including:
- Oral herpes,
- Hemophilia,
- Pernicious anemia,
- Thrombocytopenia,
- HIV/AIDS.
Hormonal Fluctuations Can Affect Oral Health for Women
Several studies show that hormonal fluctuations increase blood flow, which can affect the health of your gums. This includes changes during pregnancy, menstrual cycles, and even menopause.
There Might Be a Deficiency in Vitamin C or Vitamin K
Obviously, what you eat is important for your overall well-being, including dental health. Our bodies require plenty of different nutrients, but when it comes to the health of your gums specifically, vitamins C and K are crucial.
So, if you’re dealing with a deficiency with either of them, it’s important to switch up the diet and introduce some supplements. This simple change might just be what your smile needs to get back to its old glory.
Let’s Get Your Happy and Healthy Smile Back!
If you’ve noticed redness and swelling, it’s important to get to the root of the issue, no matter if it’s dental-related or not. And when it’s time to treat it, having a calm and supportive environment where your comfort comes first means the world.
Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness prides itself on creating a completely comfortable experience from start to finish. Contact us today to reserve your appointment – it’s the first step toward nurturing both your smile and your peace of mind.
