As your trusted dental care provider in Brentwood, we at Dental Care of Brentwood often answer questions about a common concern, gums that bleed. If you have noticed a bit of blood in the sink after brushing or flossing, it’s easy to assume it’s normal. However, understanding why gums bleed is the first step to addressing a major oral health issue, gum disease. Fortunately, with the right care and attention from a dentist in Brentwood, you can manage and prevent this condition.
The Culprit Behind Why Your Gums Bleed
The buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria on your teeth, causes gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Gums that bleed are a key indicator of gingivitis. If you don’t remove this plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which only a professional dental cleaning from a dentist can remove. Consequently, this buildup irritates and inflames your gums, making them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. A dentist in Brentwood can help you with this.
Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease. Periodontitis can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and ultimately, tooth loss. Therefore, you should see a dentist if your gums bleed.
Several factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease, including poor dental hygiene. Your local Brentwood dentist will tell you that inconsistent brushing and flossing allows plaque and tartar to build up. Furthermore, a trusted dentist will highlight that tobacco use, certain medical conditions like diabetes, and some medications can cause gums to bleed. Our dental practice in Brentwood is dedicated to helping you with your gum health.
Common Causes and Solutions for Why Your Gums Bleed
To better understand why gums bleed, let’s explore some of the most common causes and how a dentist and dental professional typically address them.
Causes of Bleeding Gums
| Causes of Bleeding Gums | Explanation |
| Gingivitis (Plaque Buildup) | The primary cause. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that irritates and inflames the gums, leading to bleeding. |
| Poor Brushing, Flossing Technique | Using a hard, bristled toothbrush or brushing too aggressively can injure gum tissue. Insufficient flossing allows plaque to remain, and your gums bleed. |
| Hormonal Changes | Fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, or menstruation can make gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding. Your dentist can offer advice. |
| Medications | Certain drugs, such as blood thinners, can increase the chance your gums will bleed. |
| Underlying Health Conditions | Conditions like diabetes can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection, including gum disease. Your dental professional will check your gums. |
Prevention & Treatment
| Prevention & Treatment | How it Helps |
| Regular Brushing and Flossing | Removing plaque and food particles prevents inflammation and tartar buildup. Your dentist will be pleased with this dental hygiene. |
| Professional Dental Cleanings | A dentist or hygienist can remove tartar that at, home care cannot. This is crucial if your gums bleed. |
| Antiseptic Mouthwash | This helps reduce the bacteria in your mouth, which can lower the risk of gum inflammation. A good dentist will recommend this. |
| Scaling and Root Planing | A deep, cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line for advanced cases of gums that bleed. This is a specific type of dentistry. |
| Lifestyle Changes | Quitting smoking and managing conditions like diabetes can significantly improve gum health. Your dentist and dental team can support you. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Why Your Gums Bleed
No, it is not normal. While it is a common issue, bleeding gums signify inflammation, most often due to plaque buildup (gingivitis). Your Brentwood dentist wants to see you if your gums bleed.
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease, while periodontitis is the advanced stage. In this stage, the infection has spread and started to damage the bone and tissue supporting your teeth. Our dentistry team can help.
Yes, in most cases, consistent and proper brushing and flossing can reverse gingivitis and stop the bleeding. However, if bleeding persists, your dentist at our dental office in Brentwood can help you.
Use a soft, bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating your gums. An electric toothbrush can also be very effective at removing plaque. Your dentist will give you a recommendation.
We generally recommend having a professional cleaning and check-up at least twice a year. Your dentist at a Brentwood dental practice may recommend more frequent visits if you have a history of gum disease.
Yes. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis, which can cause gum recession and bone loss, eventually leading to teeth becoming loose and falling out. This is why our dentistry team in Brentwood emphasizes proactive dental care.
While practicing good oral hygiene is the best “home remedy,” using an antiseptic mouthwash can help. However, home remedies cannot replace professional dental care from a dentist.
Yes. A diet high in sugary foods and drinks can increase plaque buildup. Conversely, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium can support overall oral health. A dentist will recommend this.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and likely to bleed. Your dentist can offer advice regarding this condition, known as pregnancy gingivitis.
You should schedule a dental appointment with a dentist as soon as you notice your gums bleeding, especially if it happens regularly. A dentist in Brentwood can diagnose the cause and recommend the right course of treatment.
Your Next Step Towards Healthy Gums in Brentwood
Gums that bleed are not a symptom to ignore. By understanding why gums bleed and being proactive with your dental health and seeking professional dentistry care, you can maintain a healthy smile for years to come. At Dental Care of Brentwood, we are committed to providing the best dental services for the Brentwood community.
We invite you to learn more about our comprehensive dental services and to meet our experienced dentists. If you’re concerned about your gums or any other oral health issue, schedule an appointment with a dentist at our Brentwood office today. You can even schedule your appointment online for your convenience.