Ask a Periodontist: Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?

you floss or brush vigorously and your gums hurtabrasion of the bristles. That’s why many
or bleed, that is a sign that they are open todentists recommend that their patients use only
potential infection. One of the reasons the gumssoft bristle toothbrushes. Consult your doctor,
or periodontal region bleeds is because it is alreadydentist, or dental hygienist to find out what type
suffering from minor inflammation or low gradeof brush is best for you. Also flossing too
swelling.aggressively can cause bleeding because the
When we have any injury in our body, blood flowdental floss may actually cut the gums –
to that area will increase – which is whysort of in the same that a sheet of paper that is
injuries swell. The extra flow of blood bringsmishandled can cause a paper cut. Be aware of
antibodies and healthy nutrients to the woundedhow to floss by having your dentist teach you
area while it also flushing away and take outthe proper method, have the dentist also show
toxins and bacteria. So the same process happensyou the proper movement to use when brushing,
in the gums. Because there is more blood thereand choose a toothbrush and type of dental floss
– trying to protect you from potential gumthat works well and is appropriate for you. Your
disease – your gums may not appear todentist may have you acquire an electric
be swollen and may not hurt but they will bleedtoothbrush, too, because these have automatic
because of the presence of extra blood in thecircular or up and down motion that can be ideal
area.for cleaning the teeth and gums and stimulating
It is usually nothing to be alarmed about by mildthe periodontal tissue without being too harsh or
bleeding for someone just starting to floss. Unlessabrasive.
there is lots of bleeding, soreness, swelling, or painBut by following a recommended regimen of
it will most likely clear up and the bleeding will stopbrushing and flossing your gums will soon get
after a few days of routine flossing and brushing.healthy and should no longer bleed noticeably
That’s because the flossing and brushing iswhen you brush them or use floss. A daily
healthy for your gums. Neglect that kind of dailyrecommended dose of vitamin C – either
practice, though, and the gums may againfrom sources like oranges or from vitamin
become affected in a minor way by a build-up ofsupplements – is also known to help
inflammation – which could start thereduce periodontal bleeding. Taking care of gums
process of reactive bleeding again.is one of the most important steps in your overall
It is also possible that the way you are brushingdental health, and ensuring that they stay in great
or flossing your teeth can be detrimental to yourshape without inflammation will ensure you will
gums. Using a toothbrush with bristles that arehave no reason – now or in the future
too hard, for instance, can irritate the soft tissue– to concern yourself with periodontal
of the gums and cause them to bleed from thedisease.