You probably know that you should brush your teeth every day for two minutes at a time. You also know that you should floss every day. Have you ever been told that bleeding gums is a normal part of caring for your pearly whites? Sadly, this isn’t true. In fact, bleeding gums could actually indicate more serious issues.
One of the most common reasons for bleeding gums is gum disease. Gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease, can infect your gums, leading to swelling and discomfort. Luckily, if gum disease is recognized early enough, it can be treated fairly easily.
Certain medications can also lead to bleeding gums. As you may know, many medications thin your blood, which decreases your blood’s ability to clot. Sadly, this can lead to more sensitive gums and to bleeding gums. This is one reason we recommend telling your dentist about any medications you’re taking.
Again, you should remember to floss your teeth at least once a day. However, would you be surprised to learn that individuals who haven’t flossed recently could experience bleeding gums? Again, this is a serious issue, but it should fade after about a week. If more than a week passes and your bleeding hasn’t faded, please schedule an appointment with our team. Similarly, if you brush too hard, or use a brush with hard bristles, you could damage your gums—resulting in bleeding.
If you’re interested in learning more about bleeding gums, please don’t hesitate to contact Ferguson & Associates, DDS at 704-786-8317. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and to offer you personalized advice. Dr. Sean Ferguson and our team are eager to hear from you.