Bleeding from the gums may be a sign of gum disease or other health problems, which should be treated as soon as possible. However, when bleeding is occasional, this may be due to excessive brushing of the teeth or improper flossing.
Causes that can cause gum bleeding include:
- Brushing your teeth too hard or flossing incorrectly can cause bleeding of your gums and increase your risk of developing gum retraction.
What to do: To avoid bleeding your gums in these cases, you should brush your teeth with a soft brush, avoiding too much force. Flossing should also be used carefully between your teeth so as not to damage your gums. Here’s how to brush your teeth properly, step by step.
Dental plaque is an invisible film made up of bacteria that is deposited in the teeth, especially when teeth and gums connect, which can cause gingivitis, cavities and bleeding gums.
What to do: To remove plaque, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss every day, and rinse with a daily mouthwash.
Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums that is caused by the accumulation of dental plaque in the teeth, causing symptoms such as pain, redness, swelling, retraction of the gums, bad breath and bleeding gums, which can progress to periodontitis.
What to do: In case of gingivitis, it is recommended to consult a dentist, who will evaluate the evolution of the problem, who will be able to perform a professional cleaning in the office and, if necessary, administer antibiotics. Learn how to identify signs and symptoms of gingivitis.
Periodontitis is characterized by an excessive proliferation of bacteria that causes inflammation and bleeding in the gums that eventually results in the destruction of the tissue that supports the tooth, which can lead to soft teeth and, consequently, tooth loss.
What to do: The treatment of periodontitis should be performed by the dentist, in a consultation and under anesthesia, in which the root of the tooth is scraped in order to remove tartar plaque and bacteria that destroy the bone structure that supports the tooth. .
Cavities are also a very common cause of bleeding gums and consists of a dental infection, caused by bacteria, that puncture the enamel, causing pain and discomfort, especially when they reach the deeper areas of the tooth. Learn how to identify signs and symptoms of tooth decay.
What to do: Cavities should be treated in consultation with the dentist, filling and restoring the tooth.
Vitamin C and vitamin K deficiency can also be a cause of bleeding gums, especially in the absence of other dental problems.
What to do: In these cases, it is important to have a balanced diet, rich in vitamins C and K, such as citrus, broccoli, tomatoes, spinach, watercress, cabbage and olive oil.
In addition to these causes, there are other factors that can cause bleeding gums, such as pregnancy, due to hormonal changes, the use of dentures, frictions, blood disorders, use of anticoagulants and leukemia.
Watch the video below and learn how to take care of your teeth to avoid going to the dentist: