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Bleeding gums

 
Kowhai Dental Bleeding gums
 

Bleeding gums is a common issue that most people will experience at some point in their lives.

On its own, this symptom may just be a sign that you need to kick up your oral health routine. However, bleeding gums may be a symptom of more severe issues. If you’re concerned about bleeding gums, book an appointment with a dental hygienist or dentist at Kowhai Dental.

 
 

What causes gums to bleed?

There are a lot of potential causes of bleeding gums. Often, bleeding gums are simply gingivitis. This is an early stage of gum disease, where gums are irritated by plaque build-up and may be inflamed and bleed when you brush or chew certain foods. 

Gingivitis is very often caused by poor oral hygiene. Brushing two times a day and flossing after meals is the best way to prevent and treat gingivitis at home.

If left unchecked, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. This is when plaque hardens into tartar that accumulates at the bottom of your teeth, pushing your gums away from your teeth and allowing bacteria to live below the gum line. Periodontal disease is a serious issue and can only be treated by a professional dental hygienist.

Beyond these common causes, bleeding gums may also be a symptom of other issues.

 

Related issues

If your gums continue bleeding despite brushing and flossing appropriately, it’s likely there will be other symptoms present to suggest an issue. These include:

  • Swollen and red gums

  • Pain in the gums or teeth

  • Receding gum line

  • A build-up of hard, discoloured tartar at the base of your teeth

  • Persistent bad breath

  • A metallic taste in your mouth

  • Loose teeth.

 

Common causes of bleeding gums

If your gums bleed when you’re brushing or eating coarse foods, you may be dealing with any of the following issues:

  • Gingivitis

  • Periodontal (gum) disease

  • Overbrushing (brushing your teeth too long or too hard)

  • Improper flossing

  • Ill-fitting dentures

  • Healing after another dental procedure

  • Infection or abscess in the tooth or gum

  • Vitamin C or K deficiency

  • Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)

  • Bleeding disorders such as haemophilia or leukemia

  • Blood-thinning medication, like aspirin.

 

Bleeding gums during pregnancy

If you’re pregnant, it’s common to find your gums start to bleed even if your oral health routine hasn’t changed. This is because your body is going through a variety of hormonal changes, and some of these can make your gums more susceptible to plaque.

Pregnancy gingivitis is a fairly common issue, but it’s best caught early. If you notice bleeding gums while pregnant, the best thing you can do to insure the health of both you and your baby is to book an appointment with a dental hygienist at Kowhai Dental.

We’ll check in on any potential issues and help you understand how your oral health routine should change during pregnancy.

 

Treating bleeding gums at home

Simple gingivitis can usually be treated at home through proper brushing and flossing. While bleeding when brushing may concern you, it’s important to still brush thoroughly using a small-headed soft-bristle toothbrush.

Always brush twice a day, and floss at least once or between meals. Chewing sugar-free chewing gum after meals can also help to remove excess debris or plaque from your teeth and prevent the development of gingivitis.

 

When to see a dentist

If you notice some minor bleeding when brushing, it’s important to take it seriously and identify any other symptoms. Take a look at your teeth for any signs of hard, discoloured tartar. Other signs you should see a dentist or dental hygienist about bleeding gums include:

  • You haven’t seen a dental hygienist in six months

  • Your gum line is receding

  • You can feel or see hard, rough tartar on the fronts, backs or in-between your teeth

  • Your gums are bleeding despite regular brushing and flossing

  • Your teeth feel loose

  • You’re pregnant.

The best thing you can do is book a dental hygienist appointment with Kowhai Dental to check in on your oral health.

 

What to expect

When you book in with Kowhai Dental to address bleeding gums, we’ll take some time to understand what the root of the issue is. We’ll start by consulting with you, so it helps to think about the answer to some of these questions:

  • When did you first notice the bleeding?

  • What is your usual oral health routine like?

  • Are you pregnant?

  • Do you smoke?

  • Do you suffer from any bleeding disorders?

  • Are you on any medication?

We’ll then take a look at your teeth and gums to assess the level of plaque or tartar and advise the next course of action.

In the case of gingivitis or periodontal disease, we’ll usually recommend a cleaning.

For early gingivitis, we’ll perform a simple scale and polish with some local anaesthesia to prevent your gums from hurting.

In the case of periodontal pockets, our hygienists will use special tools to remove deposits from the periodontal pockets.

After cleaning, your gums will start to heal and eventually return to their healthy, firm pink state.

 
 

Got questions

  • Improving your oral health routine is your first defence. If your gums are bleeding, you may be able to stop it by ensuring you're brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. Use a small-headed, soft-bristled toothbrush and work in small circular motions, holding the brush at a 45° angle towards the gum line.

    Be thorough but don't press too hard, as aggressive brushing can further irritate your gums.

  • Gum disease is the most common cause of bleeding gums. It may be mild (gingivitis) or severe (periodontitis).

  • Bleeding gums should be an immediate cause for concern. If your gums are bleeding, and the issue is not caused by aggressive brushing, it's important to examine how you're brushing and flossing and make improvements where possible.

    If your gums do not stop bleeding after improving your brushing for a week, you should book an appointment with Kowhai Dental.

  • Gingivitis is best treated with a thorough dental cleaning. Using an ultrasonic scaling tool, your dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth. Your hygienist may also polish the teeth, removing surface stains and textured patches which might normally harbour bacteria.

  • Receding gums will not grow back after being displaced due to tartar build-up. However, there are measures that can be taken to prevent recession from worsening. If you're concerned about the appearance or health of receding gums, be sure to speak to your dentist about it.

  • Some antibacterial or antimicrobial mouthwashes can help in fighting the build-up of plaque that leads to gingivitis. However, mouthwash alone cannot remove gingivitis once it becomes an issue, nor can it prevent gingivitis from occurring. Always brush twice daily and floss at least once a day.

  • No. Baking soda can help to prevent gum disease and tooth decay by neutralising harmful acids in your mouth after eating, and you may find some toothpastes that include baking soda for this reason. However, if you're suffering from gingivitis, you do not need to use baking soda, although it may help to temporarily lessen some of the pain.

  • Your gums should be a light pink colour when viewed in good light. If your gums are a more vibrant red, they are likely inflamed by gingivitis. Unhealthy gums are often red and may look puffy or swollen. They may also be receding from the natural gum line, being pushed by deposits of tartar. Severe discolouration may be caused by serious gum infection or prolonged smoking.

  • Some foods are likely to cause pain or worsen the state of your gums if you have been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis. Acidic foods like pickles and citrus, sweets, and ice or frozen foods are generally best to avoid until you've been treated.