You probably know that you should brush your teeth every day for two minutes at a time. You also know that you should floss every day. Have you ever been told that bleeding gums is a normal part of caring for your pearly whites? Sadly, this isn’t true. In fact, bleeding gums could actually indicate more serious issues.

One of the most common reasons for bleeding gums is gum disease. Gingivitis, which is the earliest stage of gum disease, can infect your gums, leading to swelling and discomfort. Luckily, if gum disease is recognized early enough, it can be treated fairly easily.

Certain medications can also lead to bleeding gums. As you may know, many medications thin your blood, which decreases your blood’s ability to clot. Sadly, this can lead to more sensitive gums and to bleeding gums. This is one reason we recommend telling your dentist about any medications you’re taking.

Finally, while you know it’s important to brush and to floss, did you know that doing so could also be the reason your gums are bleeding? Sadly, many individuals brush too hard, which can damage their pearly whites. Similarly, there are areas of your mouth that should be cleaned with floss. If you try to clean these areas with a brush, you could damage your gums. Finally, if you haven’t flossed recently, your gums could bleed for about a week. If this type bleeding lasts longer than a week, please schedule an appointment with our dentist.

If you’re interested in learning more about bleeding gums, please don’t hesitate to contact [practice_name] at [phone]. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and to offer you personalized advice. Dr. [doctor_name] and our team are eager to hear from you.