Your Dentist in Plano Gives 4 Reasons Why Your Gums are Bleeding

It’s a nice spring day and you have plans to get out and enjoy the warm Texas sun. As you’re preparing yourself to leave your house, you quickly brush your teeth, only to notice that there is blood on your toothbrush. It appears that your gums are bleeding, but you don’t know why. Thankfully, your dentist in Plano is weighing in to provide you with the answers you need and ways to prevent gum disease.

4 Reasons Why Your Gums are Bleeding

The sight of blood on your toothbrush or in your sink can be alarming, but the first step to fixing the problem is to get an idea about what causes it:

• Inconsistent Brushing Technique – If you are not consistent in your brushing techniques and leave some areas of your teeth unaddressed, you may notice some bleeding the next time you brush. To rectify that problem, just slow down when brushing and pay closer attention to your execution.
• Environmental Changes in Your Body – Your body has its own environment. Thus, increased stress levels, lack of sleep and a diet laden with processed foods can contribute to gum bleeding. There isn’t one remedy for all three, but the process of making changes starts with you being aware that these issues exist.
• Medication Complications – Certain medications can cause changes in the condition of your mouth. Some cause dryness, while others lead to inflammation of the soft tissues. You can inquire with your dentist about products that can help offset these problems.
• Signs of Other Serious Problems – Your bleeding gums can also be a sign of bigger issues, such as diabetes leukemia or HIV. If you notice continuous bleeding, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to both your dentist and primary care physician for help.

Gum Disease Prevention

Another key reason that you shouldn’t take your bleeding gums lightly is that it can be a precursor to gum disease. This is a condition that results from the prolonged growth of bacteria, that have traveled beneath the gumline and infected your soft tissues. As a result, your gums become inflamed and bleed.

If not treated, this can progress to advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and cause a host of other problems.

Can Bleeding of Soft Tissues and Gum Disease be Prevented?

Along with making corrections in the areas mentioned above, you can also prevent bleeding gums and periodontitis by being sure to brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day to remove harmful bacteria. You should also be sure to visit your dentist semi-annually for cleanings and check-ups. Thus, if any problems are on the horizon, your dentist will be able to nip them in the bud before they fully manifest.

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Pollard uses the perfect combination of science and dentistry to deliver the best care to his patients. A graduate of the Baylor College of Dentistry, he is a member of several professional organizations, which allows him to stay abreast of the latest changes in the dental world. Dr. Pollard protects his patients’ teeth and gums at Dental Renaissance and can be reached for more information through his website.