Maintaining the healthy gums is essential to the health of your teeth. Healthy gums are also important in anchoring the teeth in place and in preventing diseases. One condition that is associated with gums is the Bleeding gums. You should not ignore it because it could be a result of other complications in the body. Here’s what we will discuss in this blog post – the causes of bleeding gums and how one should keep their gums healthy by taking care of their mouth. In this blog, we will explore its causes and how to maintain healthy gums with proper oral care.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Swollen and red gums are the first symptom of gum disease, which is known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a kind of periodontal disease that results from the formation of a sticky film of bacteria called the plaque. Plaque is a colorless, sticky deposit of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth after eating or drinking. It is a deposit that if left behind with the brush and floss, can cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Gum-related issues arise mainly from poor oral hygiene. When you fail to brush your teeth or you do it inappropriately, the plaque builds up and leads to gum irritation. After some time it may lead to gum diseases and this in turn may lead to bleeding gums.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can also cause bleeding gums. This is perhaps due to changes in hormones, during pregnancy, times of menstruation, or menopause your gums might become more tender to the extent of bleeding easily. By far, it is very important to heed special caution to the gums during such times.
Medications
Some medications like blood thinners will make you bleed more easily including the gums. Also, medications that lead to dry mouth decrease saliva, which is important for shielding the gums from the formation of a layer called plaque. If you produce little saliva, your gums may become inflamed and start bleeding.
Smoking and Tobacco Use
Other Risk Factors are smoking and tobacco use. Cigarettes and other tobacco products cause inflammation of the gums and slow blood circulation which instigated the slowing down of the healing process. It can also raise the chance of developing gum diseases that cause the gums to bleed.
Underlying Health Conditions
Conditions like diabetes, blood disorders, and vitamin deficiencies can impact your healthy gum health. It is important to speak to your doctor if you suspect your bleeding gums may be related to a health condition.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums with Proper Oral Care
To prevent and manage bleeding gums, maintaining oral hygiene for healthy gums is essential. Here are some simple steps you can take to protect your gums:
Brush Twice a Day
The best way of preventing bleeding gums is – as you might have already guessed – consistent and effective brushing. A toothbrush with soft bristles and fluoride-containing toothpaste should be used. Move the brush around your mouth vigorously but be careful not to spend too much time at the gum line. Do not brush your teeth aggressively as this may end up causing some harm to the healthy gums making bleeding even worse. Brushing twice a day will help to eliminate plaque and food deposits that cause gum diseases.
Floss Daily
Flossing assists in cleaning the area from between your teeth and along the gum line. If you notice bleeding when you floss, don’t stop. If the gums are inflamed, it may cause bleeding the first few times you floss but the bleeding will decrease the longer you continue the habit. When flossing, ensure to do it carefully to avoid causing your healthy gums some harm.
Use Mouthwash
An oral rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash will be useful for killing bacteria in your mouth as well as for controlling plaque formation. Mouthwash use can enhance your protection against gum disease and may help to stop gum from bleeding. It is advised to opt for a mouthwash that does not have alcohol content to cause further harm to the healthy gums.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Nutrition plays an important role in oral care and a diet filled with vitamins and minerals would ensure healthy gums. Vitamin C for instance is useful if you have bleeding gums. Add fruits, vegetables as well as whole grains in your diet plan. Do not consume any sugary products because sugar is well known to cause the formation of plaque on the teeth and contribute to the worsening of conditions of the healthy gums.
Regular Dental Checkups
Go to the dentist for a routine checkup and teeth cleaning. Professional dental cleanings are useful since plaque and tartar that you cannot reach with simple brushing and flossing must be eliminated. If you have any signs like gum bleeding or feeling any pain, don’t wait for the next dental check-up, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Stay Hydrated
Rinsing your mouth with water also cleanses off food debris by washing it down your throat. The human body requires water to function properly, and therefore drinking it does a lot of good. This must be done if you have a chronic case of dry mouth because it can lead to gum diseases as well as bleeding gums. Take a bottle of water to work, home, or wherever you have to be for the better part of your day.
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking can seriously improve your gum health. Smoking reduces blood flow in the gums therefore affecting the ability to heal significantly. Smoking can cause or worsen gum disease, but when you stop smoking, you will lower the risk of having bloody gums.
How Oral Care Can Be Useful?
It is important to pay attention to your teeth and gums if you want to avoid gum bleeding at any one point in your life. With regular brushing and flossing, dental checks and cleaning taking a proper diet, you can keep your gums healthy and disease-free. In case you find that your gums are bleeding when you clean them, don’t take it lightly. This is a sign that your gums are crying for help before you realize it.
Final Thought
Bleeding gums are characteristics of gum disease, but they are avoidable and manageable. By keeping a few things in mind and following a few steps of oral hygiene, you are safe from this problem and can have healthy gums all your life.
