Why Are Your Gums Bleeding?
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:
Poor Oral Hygiene
One of the most common causes of bleeding gums is poor oral hygiene. Essentially, this means you are not cleaning your teeth and gums well enough, or you are being extremely rough when you brush and floss. Be sure to brush using gentle strokes, and do not forcefully push the dental floss into your gums. If you are unsure how to properly clean your teeth, we will be happy to help you during your next visit.
Medications
You may be surprised to learn that a number of medications can cause bleeding gums. It is important to read through the side effects to see if this will be a problem. One common medication that can lead to bleeding gums is blood thinners. Be sure to list all medications you are taking when you visit our office.
Gum Disease
Unfortunately, there are not many warning signs of gum disease. This common condition affects more than half of American adults. One of the few warning signs is bleeding gums. Gum disease develops when there is an abundance of bacteria and plaque along the gumline and can cause significant problems with your oral health if not treated in a timely manner.
If you experience bleeding gums, it is important not to worry, but it is important to visit us soon. If you are in Jacksonville Beach, FL or the surrounding area, we recommend calling our office to schedule an appointment. We can perform an examination, determine the exact cause, and recommend a treatment plan. We look forward to helping get your oral health back on track.