As an adult, you learn to take care of yourself because you only have one body, and the better you take care of it, the longer it is likely to last. One of the most important parts of your body you need to take care of is your teeth and gums. If your teeth and gums become diseased, it can lead to infections throughout the body, as well as tooth loss.
If you notice your gums are bleeding, it could be a sign of gum disease. There are other causes of bleeding gums, however.
Gingivitis
One of the most likely causes of bleeding gums is gingivitis. Gingivitis represents the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis also causes your gums to become discolored and swollen. If you begin treatment for gum disease quickly, you and your dentist can cure it. You simply need to visit a dentist twice a year and brush and floss regularly.
Overbrushing
While this may be counterintuitive, one of the other likely issues in your mouth that causes bleeding gums is overbrushing. Some people brush their teeth so hard they can cause bleeding gums. Overbrushing can lead not only to bleeding gums but also to loss of tooth enamel. If you think you might be overbrushing, you need to select a softer toothbrush and brush your gums with care. You can also switch to an automatic toothbrush instead to lessen the pressure on your gums.
Canker Sores
Another cause of bleeding gums can be canker sores. Unlike fever blisters, which are caused by a virus, scientists are not sure what causes canker sores. Canker sores can appear on your gums, tongue, soft palate, or inside your cheek. Canker sores are bright red with a white center. If you brush a canker sore, you can cause pain and bleeding.
Not sure what your bleeding gum problem is? Why not make an appointment with our dentist today?
Dentist Hillsboro, OR | Dental Blog - Century Dental Hillsboro, OR Jefferson Call, DMD and Dix Densley, DDS believe that the better informed their patients are, the better their decisions about dental care can be. With this blog, they hope to inform and empower our readers in their oral health. - See more Century Dental, 2831 SE Cornelius Pass Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97123, (971) 708-1608, centurydentalllc.com, 11/27/2024, Key Phrases: Dentist Hillsboro OR