Southeast Dental - Dentist in Markham, ON

Address : 70 Karachi Dr, Markham ON L3S 0B5
  Call Us : 905-471-2002

Bleeding Gums? Here’s What it Means

If you’ve ever noticed some bleeding while flossing, or even while brushing your teeth,  you may be wondering what exactly it means. What could be causing your gums to bleed?

Don’t panic – it’s common to experience this occasionally, and with a proper dental hygiene routine it can be avoided. The first step is to figure out why it happened.

Here are a few common causes for bleeding gums:

Gingivitis – The most common reason for bleeding gums is gingivitis, as well as other gum diseases. Gingivitis occurs due to bacteria caused by plaque build-up, which can happen because of poor dental habits. The good news – a proper dental routine can keep gingivitis at bay.

Irregular flossing – If you’re not flossing regularly and are prone to letting days or weeks go in between picking up that dental floss, it could be the reason for your bleeding gums. Daily flossing will help your gums become less sensitive and the bleeding should clear up quickly. Just remember that flossing regularly will help to prevent future bleeding!

Hard bristles – We tend to recommend using soft-bristled toothbrushes as they can effectively clean the teeth without causing harm to the enamel or gums. If you’re using a hard-bristled brush and have noticed bleeding gums, try switching to soft bristles for a gentler cleaning. Aggressive brushing can also be a culprit, and so you should always use gentle brushing motions for the best possible clean.

New medications – Some medications can cause sensitive and sometimes bleeding gums. Blood thinners, for example, can make gums more prone to bleeding – especially if you haven’t flossed in quite awhile. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums and none of the causes listed above are a factor, talk to your doctor about the medications you’re on and the possible side effects from them.

To help prevent bleeding gums, be sure to floss daily, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and have regular dental check-ups and cleanings. If you’re due for a dental appointment, it’s easy to book with us at Southeast Dental in Markham! Just call us at 905-471-2002 or use our online appointment form to choose the date that works best for you.

 

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