Far too many Americans are skipping the dentist. In fact, one out of every three American adults has skipped their annual trip to the dentist.
The primary reason for putting off the dentist is cost concerns. However, skipping the dentist can lead to unhealthy teeth and even costlier issues. For example, many Americans are plagued by bleeding gums.
Read on if you are wondering why are my gums bleeding? Explore five root causes of bleeding gums and learn why you need to see a dentist regularly.
1. Gingivitis
One of the main culprits of bleeding gums is gingivitis. In layman’s terms, gingivitis means inflammation of the gums.
This commonly occurs when plaque sits along the gum line. Symptoms of gingivitis include puffy gums, general soreness, and bleeding.
Brushing your teeth removes the vast majority of plaque along the gum line. However, only routine flossing removes plaque from hard-to-reach places between the teeth.
2. Gum Disease
Without proper treatment, gingivitis can turn into something more serious. The more severe stage is known as periodontitis or gum disease.
For patients with periodontitis, the gums become infected and bleed. In addition, the jawbone and supporting tissue can become infected as well.
In the worst cases of periodontitis, your teeth can become loose and fall out. If you suspect periodontitis and need to treat bleed gums, contact a dentist immediately for help.
3. Toothbrush
In some cases, the answer is simply that you are using the wrong tool. Some people have naturally sensitive gums and need a gentler approach. These individuals use a toothbrush with softer bristles.
If they mistakenly switch to a firm-bristled toothbrush, it may result in bleeding gums. The good news is that this is an easy problem to solve. Your dentist can recommend different ways to gently remove plaque from the gum line and in between teeth.
4. Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits
Sometimes your gums bleed due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. For example, a poor diet leads to poor oral health.
Processed foods are known to irritate the gums. This is easily solvable by replacing processed foods with fruits and vegetables.
Stress is another lifestyle choice that can lead to bleeding gums. Living a stressful lifestyle results in a diminished immune system. In turn, you are more susceptible to oral infection and bleeding gums.
5. Pregnancy
One of the unintended consequences of pregnancy is gingivitis. Pregnancy hormones result in increased blood flow, specifically the gums.
This, in turn, makes your gums more sensitive to bacteria and plaque. The end result is gums that are tender to touch and often bleed.
Why Are My Gums Bleeding: A Recap
People usually panic when their gums repeatedly bleed. The truth is that the root cause may or may not be serious.
Only a dentist can diagnose the root cause of your bleeding gums. It may turn out to be something insignificant like changing your toothbrush. On the other hand, it could be gum disease that requires immediate treatment.
If you enjoyed this article about why are my gums bleeding, check out the rest of our blog for more great content.
