If your gums tend to bleed whenever you brush or floss your teeth. This can happen for a lot of reasons. Although bleeding gums are not directly dangerous, the underlying condition that causes the symptom may be dangerous. This is the reason you must see a dentist in Wichita Falls, TX when your gums have been bleeding constantly. Your dentist will determine the cause and recommend ways to treat the condition. The following are the common causes of bleeding gums:
Gingivitis
Your gums will bleed if plaque has built up at your gum line. When the plaque is not removed, your condition will develop into gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by swollen and bleeding gums during brushing and flossing. When not treated promptly, this condition can result in gum disease. Gum disease causes tooth loss.
Brushing the Teeth Too Hard
No matter how hard you brush your teeth, this could not clean them better. Rather, hard brushing can cause your gums to bleed and recede. Thus, ensure you adjust the way you brush your teeth and use only a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Wearing Dentures that Do Not Fit Properly
When dentures don’t fit properly, they can cause your gums to bleed as they scratch them and cause sores. This is especially possible when you do not take out your dentures at night. Additionally, dentures must be cleaned well every time you brush your teeth to prevent the buildup of plaque and gum inflammation.
Poor Diet
Some processed foods contain ingredients that can irritate your gums and cause bleeding. To avoid gum bleeding, do not consume processed and sugary food. Instead, eat a balanced diet that includes lots of fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in calcium, magnesium, as well as vitamin C and K.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women can experience red, swollen, and bleeding gums when they brush and floss their teeth. This occurs due to hormonal changes that tend to change the response of the body to bacteria that can cause gum disease. During pregnancy, a woman must take care of her teeth and gums by practicing proper oral hygiene.
Health Issues
Patients who have some health issues like liver disease, anemia, blood clotting disorders, temporal arteritis, and leukemia are prone to gum bleeding.
Blood Thinning Medications
These medications are meant to minimize the ability of blood to clot, possibly causing bleeding. This might an issue for dental procedures that lead to bleeding, such as deep cleaning, dental implant placement, and extractions. Thus, if you are taking blood thinning medications, you need to tell your dentist about it every time you visit them.