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Bleeding Gums: Causes and Implications

Demonstrating How to Brush your TeethDo You Have Bleeding Gums?

When brushing your teeth and flossing, there should never be any sign of bleeding gums. However, many people continue to experience this issue. Find out the major causes and possible implications.

Periodontal Disease

The most severe potential cause of bleeding gums is periodontal disease. An infection of the gum tissue, it can cause red, swollen, bleeding gums, as well as bad breath. If left untreated, more advanced stages of the disease can even lead to tooth loss. If you have bleeding gums due to periodontal disease, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. It’s unlikely to get better on its own, so it’s highly recommended to seek an evaluation as soon as possible. With modern periodontal treatments, we have many tools at our disposal to combat the condition.

Other Causes of Bleeding Gums:

Your brushing and flossing techniques may need some improvement!

Brushing

You may think that you’re doing an excellent job by cleaning your teeth thoroughly. But if you vigorously scrub and scour your teeth while brushing, you’re not doing them any favors. Brushing teeth too hard (or using bristles that are too stiff) can cause toothbrush abrasion. That’s when your tooth enamel is scratched and scrubbed away!

Instead, use only a soft-bristled toothbrush, and be sure to angle the bristles away from the gums when brushing the front, back, or sides of your teeth. This technique will help prevent irritation to the sensitive tissue and avoid bleeding gums!

Flossing

Bleeding when flossing is never “normal.” However, it may often occur if you’re first trying to begin (or reinitiating yourself) with this helpful hygiene habit.

When flossing, the proper technique involves lateral, side-to-side pressure. Never pull the floss forcefully down toward your gums. That’s the quickest way to cause severe lacerations and injuries to your gums.

Instead, hold either end of the floss and form a “C” shape around the tooth. Then, clean by gently guiding the floss along the side of the tooth. This method will prevent problems while flossing!

About Yuri Kaneda, DDS

Dr. Yuri Kaneda was born in Japan and immigrated to the US when she was 4 years old with her family. She lived in Ohio, Nebraska, and Illinois before finally settling in the San Diego area. A graduate of Bonita Vista High School, she went on to the University of California Berkeley where she obtained her Bachelors in Microbiology and Immunology. After working for 2 years in growth plate research at University of California San Diego, she went to the University of California San Francisco Dental School for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Upon graduation, she returned to San Diego where she worked as an associate in the practice of Drs. Morimoto and Yaryan, her childhood dentist. She then started her own practice in 1995 and has been at her present location since 1999 which happens to be across the street from her high school!

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