What Bleeding Gums May Indicate

Have you ever found blood coming out of your gums after brushing? Of course, it’s natural to be concerned and worried. It’s not a very common thing, and sometimes, it may indicate that something wrong has happened, or is happening.

For some people, bleeding after brushing may mean that the brushing was too aggressive. Either the bristles on your toothbrush are too hard, or maybe you’re incorrectly brushing your teeth and irritating your gum lining.

If you bleed after flossing, it may also mean that you’re flossing too hard. For those who have never flossed or rarely floss, your gums may be too sensitive, so it’s typical to experience a little bit of bleeding.

It’s also important to consider if you’re taking medication. If you are, take a look at some of the side effects – for example, blood thinners can cause you to bleed in your mouth. You should contact your doctor to get more information and form a plan of action.

Ultimately, bleeding should not be a common occurrence. If you find that your gums are bleeding for more than a few days (and blood thinners aren’t the problem), then it’s time to book an appointment with your dentist!

Bleeding gums may be a sign of gingivitis, which is an oral disease that causes inflammation of the gums. This is normally due to high plaque buildup. The more plaque that forms on your teeth, the more it infects the gum line and irritates it.

If not treated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which is a long-term gum condition that damages beyond the gum, and can negatively affect the bones that support the teeth. Periodontal disease causes more than just bleeding gums – it can cause you to lose permanent teeth.

There are also other health conditions that can cause bleeding gums, like leukemia, diabetes, or hemophilia. The best way to determine the ideal course of action for treating bleeding gums is to visit your dentist for an exam and consultation.

If you have an emergency dental issue, give our dental team a call. Our dentistry in Long Beach, CA headed by Dr. Stephen Coates has been serving the local community for decades, and we are happy to accept emergency visits.

Call 562-434-6414 to book an appointment today.

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