Blog

Bleeding Gums: Causes And Treatments

Seeing your gums bleed while brushing or flossing can be a scary sight. But the good news is that it’s usually not serious and can be easily treated by GT Dental in Toronto. The following information is an overview of possible reasons why your may gums bleed and possible treatment options.

Signs and Symptoms
Your gums will usually bleed when brushing your teeth or flossing. This can be accompanied by tenderness and swelling. Generally, unless you have an underlying disease that prevents clotting, the bleeding should stop within a few minutes. It’s important to note that occasional bleeding is normal. It can be caused by minor trauma to the gums like overly vigorous brushing or ill-fitting dentures.

Causes
Bleeding gums are a symptom of gum disease or other underlying diseases. The most common cause is gingivitis, a condition where your gums become inflamed. Gingivitis is caused by plaque build-up around the gum line. Other symptoms of gingivitis include irritation, redness, and swelling of the gums.

Some medications can also cause your gums to bleed. For example, if you’re on a blood thinner to prevent a heart attack or stroke, then your gums will become more prone to bleeding. In this case, you should use a toothbrush with softer bristles. Talk to your dentist about caring for your teeth when on blood thinners. A rare cause of gum bleeding is certain blood cancers, like leukemia. Diabetes type 1 and 2 can also be a cause of bleeding gums.

Treatment
The treatment for your gum disease will depend on the cause. In many cases, good oral hygiene can prevent your gums from bleeding. This includes proper brushing and flossing and regular visits to the dentist. Your dentist can advise you on how to prevent bleeding and even recommend toothbrushes to use that are easier on the gums.

If diabetes is the cause, then it means that your body is having a hard time fighting germs. Keeping your blood sugar at normal levels will help keep any bleeding to a minimum.

If you notice your gums are bleeding more than normal, please visit us at GT Dental in Toronto. Contact us today to book an appointment. 

Read all blogs