Find Out What to Do if Your Gums Bleed When You Floss
Heathy gums mean better tooth health and, in many cases, better overall health. It is essential to take care of any dental issues that may arise. One of the most common issues our patients share with us at California Dental Group is bleeding gums when they brush or floss. Keep reading to find out what to do if this is an issue you suffer with. You can also call us at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment for a dental cleaning and exam.
Why do my gums bleed?
There are a number of potential causes for your gums bleeding. Simple causes that can be easily corrected including brushing your teeth too hard and brushing with the wrong type of toothbrush. Flossing too hard can also make gums bleed. If this is the issue, we can help you learn better home oral health care techniques to prevent bleeding.
Other causes of bleeding gums are more serious. For example, bleeding can be a result of gum inflammation caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease. Either can result in swollen gums that are more likely to bleed when brushed or flossed.
What do I do about my bleeding gums?
In all cases, bleeding gums are a sign that something is not right. Too often, we see patients who noticed bleeding when they flossed and therefore decided that they should not floss. This is a mistake. If the bleeding is caused by an oral health issue, then not following through with an appropriate oral health regime can make the problem much worse in the long run.
The right next move is to contact your doctor for an oral health checkup and exam. It may be that your bleeding gums are caused by poor brushing and we can simply give you tips to brush better. It may be that the cause of the bleeding is a buildup of tartar, which can only be removed via professional dental cleaning.
Bleeding gums are a sign you should not ignore
Unless you have had recent trauma to your gums, such as having a tooth filled or a root canal, they should not bleed. If they do, then you should take this as a serious sign. When you visit California Dental Group, we will provide a comprehensive exam that will look at all potential causes of gum disease. Once we know what the issue is, we can provide a treatment plan that will help get your gums back into top shape.
The biggest mistake to make is to ignore the issue or hope it will go away on its own. The truth is that it will never be more affordable or easier to treat your gum issues than it is today. The problem will only get worse on its own. Contact California Dental Group today to find out how we can help you get your teeth and gums into top shape.
