Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
If you start bleeding from somewhere on your body, you’re not going to be ho-hum about it. And yet, many people notice their gums bleed when they brush and floss but don’t really worry. Are you one of these individuals? If so, you need to take bleeding gums as seriously as you would bleeding from anywhere else on your body. After all, healthy tissue shouldn’t bleed. Read on as one of Okemos’ most popular dentists, Christine Tenaglia, reviews the potential causes of bleeding gums, how common it is, and what can be done about it.
Here’s why you might see pink in the sink when you brush
- A new or hard-bristled toothbrush – Using the wrong kind of toothbrush, or even a toothbrush fresh out of the packaging, can do damage to your gums. After a few days with a new toothbrush, you should see a difference. Otherwise, switch to a soft-bristled brush, as recommended by the American Dental Association.
- Over-brushing – This is the term used when your brushing technique is too hard or aggressive. Brushing too vigorously can damage your gums and even weaken your enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your tooth structure. If the bristles on your toothbrush are flattened out or splayed, then you’re brushing too hard.
- Gingivitis – Bleeding gums represent an early sign of gum disease, which occurs from a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. Gingivitis also is symptomized by gums that are red, puffy, or tender. Gingivitis can be uncomfortable, but if you can identify and treat your gum disease when it’s in this stage. Improve your gum health by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and commit to seeing the dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings. Otherwise, gum disease progresses into advanced stages, known as periodontitis, which has several stages that worsen over time if not treated.
- Periodontitis – By the time gum disease reaches this stage, permanent damage has been done to your oral health. Pockets have formed between your gums and teeth, which become breeding grounds for bacteria. Any dental plaque on your teeth has hardened into tartar, which only can be removed through a professional dental cleaning or even a more intensive treatment, such as a dental deep cleaning. In time, periodontitis can have massive consequences on your oral health, including tooth loss. Untreated gum disease even can risk your life, approximately doubling your risk of cardiac disease as the bacteria in your mouth filters into your bloodstream.
How can you prevent bleeding gums?
A few changes to your lifestyle and oral care routine can go a long way to improve the health of your gums. Make sure you’re brushing twice per day and that you’re flossing daily. Intermittent flossing or resuming flossing after a prolonged hiatus from this habit can be another reason gums bleed. Limit the amount of snacking you do between meals and lower the overall quantity of sugar in your diet. Stop using tobacco in any form and, as always, keep seeing your dentist every six months for a checkup that includes a professional dental cleaning and a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth.
Preventive Dentistry in Okemos
At Tenaglia Smiles, we believe that prevention is the best method of defense against any existing or potential issue. If you’ve lapsed in your regular schedule of dental visits, now is a great time to get back on track. Why not visit the People’s Choice Award winner as Okemos’ favorite dentist? Make your appointment today by calling (517) 347-6733 if you live in the areas of Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing in Michigan.