Ask a doc: ‘Why are my gums bleeding after I brush my tooth, and what should I do about it?’

5 minutes, 19 seconds Read

[ad_1]

If you discover your gums are bleeding after you brush your tooth, you would produce other signs as properly, resembling tenderness and swelling. 

Oral well being is essential — and if your gums bleed, you should deliver this up together with your dental skilled. 

“Gums may start to look swollen and turn reddish in color prior to gum bleeding,” mentioned Alice G. Boghosian, DDS, client adviser and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. She practices at Hagopian & Boghosian Dentistry in Glenview, Illinois. 

IS MOUTH BREATHING BAD FOR YOUR TEETH? DENTAL PROFESSIONALS SHARE RISKS AND REMEDIES

“If you notice blood in the sink when you brush your teeth, and you experience it for more than two weeks, you should consult your dentist, as it’s possible you may be at risk for gum disease.”  

Fox News Digital interviewed dental specialists about learn how to keep wholesome, defend your pearly whites and your gums — learn on. 

What causes bleeding gums?

There are many potential causes for bleeding gums, medical specialists say. 

Woman brushing teeth

If your gums bleed after you brush your tooth, you should talk about this together with your dental skilled, specialists advise.  (iStock)

“In some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease,” mentioned Sally J. Cram, DDS, client adviser and spokesperson for the American Dental Association. She is a periodontist with a follow in Washington, D.C.  

“Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums and bone that surround your teeth, and is caused by a buildup of plaque.” 

BE WELL: STOP GRINDING YOUR TEETH FOR BETTER DENTAL HEALTH 

In addition to gums that bleed simply, signs of gum illness in its early phases could embrace purple, swollen and tender gums in addition to dangerous breath, she mentioned.

Many ladies develop bleeding and swollen gums throughout puberty, being pregnant, menopause and throughout their month-to-month menstrual cycle. 

Additionally, Dr. Cram mentioned many ladies develop bleeding and swollen gums throughout puberty, being pregnant, menopause and throughout their month-to-month menstrual cycle. 

“This is due to increased hormone levels, which make the gums more sensitive to plaque and bacteria,” she mentioned. 

PRACTICE GOOD ORAL HYGIENE TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PERIODONTITIS

Another potential explanation for bleeding gums? It may be a new flossing routine, which can trigger gums to bleed at first as they get used to the cleansing between the tooth, mentioned Dr. Cram. 

“This goes away on its own within about a week,” she mentioned. 

dental exam

In addition to bleeding gums, if in case you have signs like dangerous breath or swollen, tender gums, and have skilled signs for longer than two weeks, it is best to go to your dentist or periodontist.  (iStock)

Lastly, brushing too laborious or incorrectly could trigger bleeding gums. 

“It’s always wise to ask your dentist and dental hygienist to suggest the right toothbrush for you and to review how to use it correctly,” Dr. Cram recommended.

THESE ARE THE WORST DENTAL MISTAKES YOU CAN MAKE FOR YOUR TEETH

Many causes are non permanent, like implementing a new flossing routine, or can simply be adjusted, like brushing too laborious or utilizing the unsuitable toothbrush.

Yet if in case you have extra signs like dangerous breath or swollen, tender gums, and you might have skilled signs for longer than two weeks, you should go to your dentist or periodontist, Dr. Cram suggested.

What are different components that may put sufferers in danger?

Dr. Boghosian with Hagopian & Boghosian mentioned these points may additionally elevate the danger of gum illness:

  • Poor dental care
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Genetics
  • Crooked tooth that are laborious to maintain clear
  • Pregnancy
  • Diabetes
  • The use of sure drugs, together with steroids, some anti-epilepsy medicine, most cancers remedy medicine, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives

Why should bleeding gums be introduced as much as a dentist?

It’s doable that bleeding gums could be a symptom of gum illness, an an infection of the tissues that encompass and help your tooth. 

dental exam

“Bacteria in the mouth and gum disease have been implicated in higher risks of oral cancer — and although it is not very common, persistent red, bleeding gums can also be a sign of certain blood disorders such as leukemia.”  (iStock)

“Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a major cause of tooth loss in adults,” periodontist Dr. Cram mentioned. 

Additional warning indicators of gum illness, she mentioned, embrace purple, tender gums; gums which have begun to tug away from the tooth; persistent dangerous breath; everlasting tooth that are free or separating; any adjustments in the way in which your tooth match collectively if you chew; or any adjustments within the match of partial dentures. 

DENTISTS REVEAL WHY YOU SHOULDN’T BRUSH YOUR TEETH IN THE SHOWER

“If these symptoms persist for two weeks, you should visit your dentist or periodontist,” Dr. Cram cautioned.

When can bleeding gums signify a extra extreme medical situation?

Research between systemic illnesses and periodontal illnesses is ongoing, mentioned Dr. Cram. 

“While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke,” she indicated.

“Bacteria in the mouth and gum disease have also been implicated in higher risks of oral cancer, and although it is not very common, persistent red, bleeding gums can also be a sign of certain blood disorders such as leukemia.” 

Regular dental checkups and periodontal exams are suggested. 

Woman at dentist

“It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, schedule regular dental visits and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.” (iStock)

What will a dentist do to guage?

Treatment of periodontitis could be non-surgical or surgical. 

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Treatment strategies rely upon the kind of illness and how far the situation has progressed, Boghosian at Hagopian & Boghosian mentioned.

What can folks do at residence?

Good dental care at residence is crucial to assist hold periodontal illness from turning into extra critical or recurring.  

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

“To help prevent periodontal disease, it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, schedule regular dental visits and avoid smoking or chewing tobacco,” Boghosian advisable. 

For extra Health articles, go to www.foxnews.com/well being

[ad_2]

Source hyperlink

Similar Posts