If you’re brushing your teeth and notice that there’s a little blood coming from your mouth, it could be coming from a few areas; however, it’s most likely due to bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are quite common and are usually an indication that something isn’t quite right with dental hygiene practices. However, there are a few other common reasons for bleeding gums that we’ll discuss in this article. It’s important not to be too alarmed by bleeding gums, as they usually don’t indicate a serious threat to your health.

What Factors Play a Role in Gum Health?

Gum health is one of the hallmarks of good dental hygiene, as just beneath the gums is where infections can begin. There are many factors that contribute to dental health overall. Here are just a few things that play a role in dental hygiene:

Genetics

You might be surprised to find that genetics play a big role in dental health; however, with proper hygiene practices, dental health can be well managed despite difficult genetic backgrounds.

Daily hygiene practices

Daily dental hygiene is critical to avoid issues like bleeding gums. Here are a few factors that contribute to your dental health that can also contribute to bleeding gums under certain circumstances:

Type of toothbrush – using the right toothbrush that isn’t too soft or too hard is essential; you want to make sure to get all the plaque off of the gum line, but you also don’t want to disrupt or injure the gum line with harsh bristles.

Type of toothpaste – some teeth are more sensitive to certain types of toothpaste, so it’s important to consult with your dentist on what type of toothpaste is best for you.

Frequency and type of dental care – brushing at least twice a day is important for ongoing dental health; however, it’s also important to floss regularly and even use mouthwash to protect your enamel.

Dentist visits

By adhering to a dentist visit schedule, usually at least every 6 months is recommended, you can best prevent issues like bleeding gums, which can be caused by more serious issues like gum disease and infections that must be treated by a dental professional. Acting preventively by going to routine dentist appointments is a great way to avoid bleeding gums.

Diet

Plaque builds up under certain circumstances, which has a lot to do with your diet. Sugary foods contribute to an environment where plaque-causing bacteria thrive; therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on your sugar intake and be sure to brush your teeth diligently after consuming sugary foods.

Medications

Most medications have side effects, and one of them may be bleeding gums. Blood thinners especially can exacerbate already existing dental problems contributing to bleeding gums. Therefore, it’s important to consult your doctor on the side effects of medications you take, as well as consult with your dentist on how to best prevent gums from bleeding.

Most Common Causes of Bleeding Gums

We’ve already talked about what factors can contribute to gum health issues, including bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are usually a symptom of one of the following problems:

Hygiene practices

Brushing teeth with harsh tooth brushes or toothpastes can lead to sensitive and even bleeding gums in certain areas. It’s important to contact your dentist if you aren’t sure what type of toothbrush and toothpaste will work best for you.

Infections or gum diseases

Gum infections and diseases can lead to bleeding gums, which can be alarming; however, while it’s important to remember that they are treatable – they’re also preventable. Preventing plaque buildup with proper dental care is the best way to keep your gums healthy.

How we can help you

For over 50 years, the dental professionals at the Dental Group of Simi Valley have provided the area of Simi Valley and the greater Ventura County with excellent quality dental care. We pride ourselves on being gentle, thorough, and taking a preventive approach to all the cases we come across. Bleeding gums aren’t always caused by something sinister, but it’s important to bring such symptoms to your dentist as soon as possible to ensure your ongoing health. If you’d like to schedule an appointment for a check-up, or would like to learn more about our practice, please call one of our helpful professionals today.