If your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss, there are multiple possible causes. These causes range from mechanical issues like improper brushing, to medical concerns; while gum disease is a common cause of bleeding gums, certain medications and medical conditions can also make the gums more prone to bleeding. If you notice that your gums bleed once or twice when you brush or floss but don’t continue to bleed, there may have just been a temporary issue or injury. This can sometimes happen if you haven’t flossed properly for a while, for example, or if you floss or brush too aggressively or with a toothbrush that’s too hard. If your gums bleed consistently over a period of several days or weeks, or if they bleed excessively, see your dentist for a consultation and treatment.
One of the more common causes of bleeding gums is gum disease, clinically called gingivitis. Gingivitis is inflammation in the gums, caused by the accumulation of plaque along the gums, and is usually the result of bad oral hygiene. Gum disease causes the gums to appear red, swollen, and angry-looking, and brushing and flossing your teeth can cause them to bleed. You can prevent gingivitis by brushing and flossing effectively and seeing your dentist regularly, and, when gingivitis does develop, early treatment can reverse its effects and restore the oral cavity to health. When gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into periodontitis, a disease of the periodontal tissues that support your teeth, including your gums, connective tissues, and bone. Periodontitis left untreated can cause disastrous effects, destroying the oral tissues and leading to tooth loss and bone loss.
Sometimes, people’s gums bleed because of a medical condition, like diabetes, leukemia, other blood diseases, or certain hormonal conditions. Certain medications could also increase the likelihood of bleeding gums. Your dentist can work with you to figure out the best way to treat symptoms like bleeding or tender gums while you work with your medical team to treat the underlying condition. Certain vitamin deficiencies could also weaken the oral tissues and cause the gums to bleed, along with other symptoms that depend on the specific deficiency; maintaining a balanced, nutritious diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will help keep your gums supple and strong.
It’s also relatively common for people to brush or floss their teeth too aggressively, believing that they’re just being thorough. The gums can bleed from brushing with a toothbrush that’s too hard, or brushing too forcefully or in the wrong direction. If you use a manual toothbrush, make sure it has soft bristles, and hold the brush gently while brushing in small, circular motions; ask your dental hygienist to demonstrate proper brushing technique at your next checkup if you want guidance. If you use an electric toothbrush, look for soft bristles designed for sensitive gums. Flossing daily is key to minimizing gum disease and other problems with dental and oral health, but it’s also important to floss properly. Rather than jamming the floss into the gum tissue as you force it between your teeth, gently slide the floss along the curve of each tooth. Again, your dental hygienist will demonstrate effective flossing techniques if you ask.