My gums are bleeding

Bleeding gums usually indicate the presence of inflammation, which is a common reaction to the accumulation of dental plaque at the gum line. If plaque is not removed, it can cause irritation and inflammation of the gums, leading to redness, swelling and bleeding, especially when brushing your teeth.

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and can be caused by poor oral hygiene, tartar build-up, certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, or other health conditions that affect the gums. This condition is usually reversible with good oral hygiene habits and regular professional cleaning, but if left untreated, it can progress to a more serious condition – periodontitis, which can lead to permanent gum damage and tooth loss.

In addition to inflammation, bleeding gums can have other causes, the most common of which include:

• Poor oral hygiene: Irregular brushing and insufficient use of interdental brushes or dental floss can cause plaque build-up and tartar formation, leading to gum irritation and bleeding.
• Using a hard toothbrush or excessive pressure when brushing: This can irritate and damage sensitive gums.
• Hormonal changes: For example, during pregnancy, puberty or menopause, they can cause increased gum sensitivity, leading to bleeding.
• Vitamin C and K deficiency: This can cause bleeding gums.
• Smoking: Smoking is a significant factor that increases the risk of gum problems and bleeding gums.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) and some antidepressants, can increase the risk of gum bleeding.
• Certain medical conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, leukaemia and certain infectious diseases may be associated with bleeding gums.
• Periodontitis: An advanced stage of gum inflammation that involves damage to the tissue and bone supporting the teeth.

If you suffer from chronic gum bleeding, it is important to visit your dentist for an examination and appropriate treatment.

How to stop bleeding gums

Gum bleeding can often be effectively treated with the following steps:

• Improve oral hygiene: Brush your teeth regularly and gently with a soft toothbrush twice a day and use dental floss or interdental brushes once a day to remove plaque and food between your teeth.
• Professional dental cleaning: It is essential to remove tartar and plaque that accumulate under the gums and cause inflammation. A dental hygienist or dentist can perform deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) if necessary.
• Use of antiseptic mouthwashes: These mouthwashes can help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and alleviate gum inflammation.
• Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in vitamins, especially vitamins C and K, promotes gum health.
• Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for gum disease and can cause or worsen bleeding gums.
• Change your toothbrush: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentler cleaning techniques can help prevent gum irritation and bleeding.
• Regular dental check-ups: Regular visits to the dentist allow for consistent monitoring of gum health and early detection and treatment of any problems.
• Consult your dentist: If gum bleeding persists despite following recommended practices, it is important to see your dentist to rule out more serious problems, such as periodontitis.

Early diagnosis and treatment can be the key to successfully resolving gum bleeding and preventing further complications.

Do your gums hurt when you brush your teeth?

If your gums hurt when brushing your teeth, it may be a sign of gingivitis or another inflammatory gum disease. Here are a few steps you should take:

• Review your brushing technique: Make sure you are brushing your teeth with the correct technique – using gentle, circular motions and without applying too much pressure, which can irritate the gums.
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: A toothbrush with soft bristles may be less irritating to sensitive gums.
• Continue brushing: Although it may be uncomfortable, it is important to continue brushing your teeth. Brushing helps remove plaque, which causes inflammation.
• Use an interdental brush and dental floss: Thorough removal of dental plaque also requires cleaning the interdental spaces that cannot be reached with a toothbrush, so it is necessary to use an interdental brush and dental floss.
• Visit your dentist: If your gum pain persists, you should visit your dentist as soon as possible. They can assess the condition of your gums and recommend further treatment or professional cleaning if necessary. Inflamed gums can be a sign of early periodontal disease, so don't put off visiting your dentist.