Should I Be Concerned if My Gums Bleed?

One of the 7 signs that you need to see a periodontist is bleeding gums. There are also other causes of bleeding gums, and some are concerning while others can be avoided or lessened by changing your oral care tools or techniques. If you are worried about your dental health, then make an appointment with your dentist. Dr. Steven Lieber recommends a periodontist if you have more of the signs of periodontal disease, or if you have been treated for the disease before.

Common Causes of Bleeding Gums

  • Brushing too hard or with a hard brush
  • Flossing too aggressively or just started a flossing routine
  • Have gingivitis, a disease that causes inflamed gums (this is the first stage of gum disease)
  • Pregnancy gingivitis
  • Ill-fitting dentures
  • Misaligned bite
  • Blood-thinning medications
  • Stress
  • Smoking
Based on the list, you can see that some of the causes are an easy fix. Changing to a soft toothbrush or adjusting your flossing techniques are the most simple changes.
Stress and smoking can be controlled with awareness and dedication. If smoking has caused gum recession or other periodontal problems, you will need to see a periodontist.
Blood-thinning medications are a common cause of bleeding gums as they reduce the blood’s ability to clot. Even excessive use of aspirin can have that effect. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor, if you are concerned about your medications causing this side-effect.
Some pregnant women experience bleeding and swollen gums while brushing. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This is due to hormonal changes that cause a different response to the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Dr. Leiber wrote a blog in 2017 about six ways to have healthy gums. Knowing how to keep your gums healthy is so important. Prevention is a great way to stop bleeding gums before they even occur. Adults over 35 years of age lose more teeth to gum diseases (periodontal disease) than from cavities. If you are concerned about your gum health or have any questions, give us a call at our Tampa or New Port Richey office.

Other Posts You Might Like