Bleeding Gums Are Not Normal

Why You Should Not Ignore Bleeding Gums

Kenmore dentist Dr Rachel Hall explains why a little bit of blood in the sink should not be ignored. Bleeding gums are not normal its a sign of bigger problems.

My Gums Bleed So What?!

You’ve probably thought to yourself after brushing your teeth and spitting out blood with your toothpaste: “My gums bleed, but that is just normal for me.”

Although bleeding gums is an everyday occurrence, in the dental field, we don’t want our patients to think of it as normal – as it is actually a sign of gum disease.

You may have become so accustomed to minor bleeding when brushing your teeth that you don’t consider it to be anything unusual.

Yet bleeding gums is something you should be concerned about – bleeding is an inflammatory response, your gums are trying to fight off infection, and it’s important to stop it and prevent it from recurring.

Bleeding when you brush, floss or eat should not be taken lightly, as this may be associated with an underlying systemic condition.

Treatment For Gum Disease

It can be difficult to treat patients with gum disease (gingivitis).

For many years the main go-to treatment in addition to regular brushing and flossing and visits with the dental hygienist has been a mouthwash or antibacterial rinse.

While this is effective, there are drawbacks due to inefficient oral care at home and or missed/delayed visits for the required hygiene care.

This means the gums continue to bleed and all the while the gum health is getting worse which is making you more prone to having your teeth get loose, infected and then losing them altogether.

Systemic Health and Your Gums

There are times that even despite great oral care at home and very regular dental care a patient’s gums just never seem to get better and in these instances, we need to look for underlying systemic health problems such as poor immune health, nutritional deficiencies, undiagnosed or poorly controlled diabetes or other more serious health issues.

Bleeding When You Brush Equals Inflammation and Infection

So the next time you think that your bleeding gums are normal stop and remember that this is a sign of inflammation and infection that needs to be diagnosed and treated and its time to see your dental team get the right advice and the best of care.

Got bleeding gums then call 07 3720 1811 and book for your dental hygiene appointment today.