Gums Bleed When Brushing Teeth

Bleeding gums are a common symptom for periodontal disease and gingivitis. It may be aggravated while performing certain activities like flossing, brushing and even while chewing food. As bacteria and disease causing microbes are always present inside the mouth, gum bleeding increases the risk of infection and other circulatory diseases. According to statistics, more than 80 percent people worldwide have some sort of gum disease. Let's take a look at some effective remedies for bleeding gums.

Gums Bleed When Brushing Teeth?
Medical experts are of the opinion that oral manifestations are a warning sign for more than 90 percent cases of severe ailments. The extent of gum bleeding has nothing to do with the severity of the underlying health condition. However, if you are among one of the thousand people who have gum diseases, then it is high time to get them checked by a qualified physician. The problem, gums bleed when brushing teeth, can be caused by several factors which include the following.

A Hard Brush
One of the common causes for the problem, gums bleed while brushing, is usage of a hard brush. The tough and hard bristles may irritate the gums, thus resulting in bleeding. For such a case, replacing the current brush with a sensitive one is advisable to solve the bleeding gum problem. You can consult a dentist for a reliable toothbrush brand as per your dental condition.

Brushing Method
Improper brushing method like brushing too hard and brushing for too long can cause bleeding gums. Based on the extent of gum irritation, one may also experience bleeding gums after brushing. Hence, in addition to using a good brush, make sure that you follow the brushing instructions as prescribed by the dentist.

Gingivitis
Usually, the problem, gums bleed when brushing teeth, is manifested as a warning sign for gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation and increased sensitivity of the gums. The main cause for inflamed gums is presence of plaque at the junction of the teeth and gum. Over a period of time, bacterial infestation occurs, causing irritation of the gums. Read more on sore gums.

Periodontal Disease
Gum or periodontal disease is the leading dental problem that causes tooth decay in many adults worldwide. It is the advanced form of gum disease, which is caused due to prolonged retention of plague in the gum line. Correct brushing and proper removal of plague are effective for combating bleeding gums while brushing. Read more on gum disease and infection and gum disease treatment.

Blood Disorder
Very rarely, gums bleeding when brushing teeth indicates life-threatening medical problems such as leukemia and bleeding diseases. Those people who experience persistent bleeding of gums are at a higher risk of having such severe blood disorders. In order to rule out the probable causes, consult a dentist regarding the gum bleeding frequency. Read more on bleeding gums treatment.

Medication Side Effects
Certain medications cause blood thinning, thus increasing the chances for gum bleeding. Hence, if bleeding gums when brushing teeth is manifested on a recurrent basis while taking these medications, the patient should seek medical attention from the concerned physician. The doctor may recommend alternative medicines for combating bleeding of gums.

Other Causes
Apart from the above causes, gum bleeding while brushing can also result from hormonal changes. This is the reason why pregnant women are at higher risk of bleeding gums than others. Another reason for bleeding gums is nutritional deficiency, especially vitamin C and vitamin K deficiency. Read more on pregnancy gingivitis.

With this information, I hope you got the answer for 'why do my gums bleed when i brush my teeth '. The most effective remedy for 'gums bleed when brushing teeth' is thorough rinsing with warm saline water for about 2-3 minutes. Doing so, helps in stopping the gum bleeding as well as soothing the injured tissues. Also ensure that you follow the dentist's instructions for dental health. If gum bleeding does not improve even after practicing good oral hygiene and proper dental care tips, then get them diagnosed by a qualified dentist to avoid future complications.