My Dental Hygienist Noticed Some Blood, Should I Be Worried?

You’ve probably heard your dentist or hygienist say that healthy gums don’t bleed. That’s true, but that statement alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Bleeding gums can be a sign of anything from minor gum irritation to advanced and irreversible gum disease.

If your hygienist noticed blood during your latest cleaning, it’s important to figure out why. Keep reading to learn why gums bleed, whether your gum bleeding should worry you, and what steps you can take to keep the problem under control.

What Makes Gums Bleed

Gums bleed when they’re inflamed. Usually, this is due to the presence of the bacteria in plaque or tartar left sitting against them.

Going too long without brushing and flossing consistently or skipping dental cleanings allows bacteria to fester in your mouth. The longer your gums are exposed to these bacteria, the more your chances of developing gum disease rise.

Gum disease comes in two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis is the earliest form of gum disease and can be reversed with good oral hygiene habits.

Left untreated, gingivitis will turn into periodontitis, weakening your gums’ attachment to your teeth and destroying the bone beneath them. You can stabilize this condition, but you can’t cure it. That’s why it’s so important to watch for early signs of gum inflammation.

Both gingivitis and periodontitis can involve bleeding gums. Ask yourself the following questions to determine which one is more likely in your case.

• Do you notice blood often when you brush or floss, or is this the first time the issue has come up? More frequent bleeding is more likely to indicate advanced gum disease.
• Have your gums shown other signs of problems, such as puffiness or tenderness? Later-stage gum disease usually has more than one symptom.
• Do you smoke or chew tobacco? Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for gum disease.
• Are you diabetic? Diabetic folks with poor blood sugar control are more susceptible to infections like gum disease.

If none of these factors apply to you, you probably don’t have much to worry about. Most people get inflamed gums periodically throughout their lifetime. Trust your dentist to tell you if you have irreversible gum disease. If they haven’t said anything to you, you’re probably not in dangerous territory just yet.

What’s Causing Your Bleeding?

You probably know what’s behind your bleeding if you’ve been slacking on your oral hygiene. If you haven’t, there are a few reasons why you might still be having gum problems.

If your gums have suddenly started bleeding but your oral hygiene hasn’t changed, though, you might want to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Nutrient deficiencies (especially vitamins B, C, and D) can make you more vulnerable to gum disease.

You can also irritate your gums by brushing too hard. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently clean the surface of each tooth using slow circular motions. Use an electric brush if possible, especially one with a pressure sensor that will let you know if you’re pressing too hard.

Many women’s gums bleed during periods or pregnancy due to hormonal changes that make their gums more sensitive to bacteria. Once their hormones go back to normal, the bleeding often stops.

Some medications can cause bleeding gums too. Blood thinners like warfarin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like naproxen are common culprits.

Taking Preventive Action

Your bleeding gums might not be in serious trouble, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore the warning they’re giving you. Taking action now will keep the problem in check and give you the best possible chance of reversing any damage to your gums. Try:

• Stepping up your oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes each time and floss at least once a day. Adding an extra daily round of flossing will usually help calm gum irritation more than an extra brushing session, but there’s no harm in doing both if you feel up to it.
• Quitting smoking. You’ll prevent any further damage to your gums.
• Limiting sugar in your diet. Consuming more sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, irritating your gums.
• Booking a professional dental cleaning. Yes, you just had one – but it’s always a good idea to book your next cleaning right away so you don’t end up putting it off later. You might also benefit from more frequent cleanings than your average adult. Consider scheduling a cleaning within the next 3 to 4 months instead of waiting the standard 6.

Keep Your Gums Healthy with Help from Coscarella Family Dentistry

It’s never too late to turn gum disease around. Even advanced periodontal disease can often be stabilized with good home care and professional attention. Give our team at Coscarella Family Dentistry a call today and get that next cleaning appointment booked. You’ll be glad you did.