Many people shrug off bleeding gums as a common but inconvenient problem that isn’t anything to worry about. While it is a common problem, it’s definitely something to worry about as it’s your body letting you know that something is wrong.
What Does It Mean if Your Gums Are Bleeding?
Sometimes gums bleed for simple reasons like a blood-thinning medication or a new firmer toothbrush. These problems can be remedied by talking to your doctor and dentist about the medication or by switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush. But, if your gums are bleeding when you brush or floss regularly, you probably have gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is your body’s way of alerting you to a problem so you can fix it before the damage becomes permanent.
What to Do If Your Gums Are Bleeding
The first thing to consider when you notice your gums bleeding is how effective your daily oral hygiene routine is. The No. 1 cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Step up your daily teeth-cleaning game by making sure you brush for at least two minutes, twice a day. And don’t forget to floss religiously. Flossing not only keeps teeth looking better, but it also is a key element to preventing gum disease in the future.
Next, schedule an appointment with Dr. Collins as soon as possible. Sometimes, a professional cleaning and some tips on how to improve your daily routine are enough to reverse the beginning stages of gum disease, or gingivitis. You may need a deeper cleaning if the inflammation and infection has progressed further than you realize, so it’s imperative to come in for a visit right away.
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the world and can easily be prevented with a good daily oral care routine and regular visits to your dentist. Those teeth cleanings and exams are extremely important to your long-term oral health and could mean the difference between having a full smile or missing teeth in your future. To schedule an appointment, call Collins Family Dentistry today at (509) 532-1111.
