Noticing blood when you brush or floss can be surprising and sometimes concerning. While bleeding gums are common, they are not something to ignore. In many cases, bleeding is your body’s way of signaling that your gums need extra attention. Understanding what bleeding gums can mean helps you respond early and protect your long-term oral health.
February is a month where the signature color seems to be red in honor of Valentine’s Day. The decor and decorations in stores and restaurants are full of red and hearts. One place where it is concerning if you see red is your gums. Red and swollen gums can be an indication that you have gum disease. February is recognized as Gum Disease Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public about the prevalence of the disease and the lasting effects that it can have if left untreated. Gum disease affects more than half of American adults, so there is a chance that you or a loved one may suffer from this condition at some point in your life.
Have you noticed that you see pink or red when you rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth? If so, you are experiencing bleeding gums. If you notice this from time to time, we would suggest mentioning it during your next oral hygiene examination. However, if bleeding gums are a regular problem, it can indicate a problem with your oral health. Bleeding gums can be caused by: