Gums play an important role in your oral health. They help keep your teeth in place and protect the roots of your teeth. With good dental hygiene, your gums can stay healthy for a long time. However, they are a delicate part of your mouth and can experience damage that causes bleeding gums.
Many people experience pink in the sink after brushing and flossing due to dental bleeding. Although this is common, it could be a sign of a more serious dental issue. Here are some common reasons why people experience bleeding gums.
Toothbrush Bristles & Pressure
Dentists typically recommend using soft bristle toothbrushes that are both gentle on the gums and effective at removing plaque from the teeth. If you use a firm toothbrush or use too much pressure when brushing your teeth this may be the reason you experience bleeding gums. Try switching to a soft bristle toothbrush and using less pressure when brushing your teeth to stop your gums from bleeding.
Poor Oral Hygiene Habits
Good oral hygiene is the foundation for healthy gums. If you do not brush and floss every day, plaque can build up around the gumline and cause inflammation. This can result in bleeding gums when brushing and flossing occurs and irritates the inflamed tissue. It is important to adopt good dental habits by brushing and flossing daily and visiting your dentist for regular dental checkups.
Vitamin Deficiencies & Poor Diet
What you eat plays a significant role in your overall health, including your dental health. Foods that include sugars and starches are just as bad for your mouth as they are the rest of your body. These foods can often cause cavities and bleeding gums. It’s unlikely that you will be able to avoid sugar and starches forever, so just be sure to brush and floss after consuming them.
Medications
Some medications act as blood thinners which can make it easier for your gums to bleed. This can include both over-the-counter and prescription medications. If you recently started taking a new medication it is important to speak to a doctor about your bleeding gums.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is one of the more serious reasons why you may be experiencing bleeding gums. Plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene causes an accumulation of bacteria on the gumline. This can cause cavities, and if left untreated can lead to gum disease.
If you are experiencing bleeding gums regularly, you should schedule an appointment for a dental exam. A dentist will be able to diagnose the reason for your issue and recommend a treatment option. As always, it is important to brush and floss daily and visit your dental office for regularly scheduled dental checkups and cleanings.
