When you’re brushing or flossing your teeth, do you occasionally spit out a small amount of blood afterward or notice blood around your teeth and gums? It could be nothing to worry about, or it could be a sign of something more serious. So, it’s a good idea to monitor your own symptoms when you brush and floss each day, and speak to your dentist about bleeding gums.

Let’s look at some of the causes of bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.

Bleeding when flossing

If you’ve recently started flossing, then it’s not uncommon for your gums to bleed a little at first. This is typically caused by plaque or tartar between your teeth. Continuing to floss will help to get rid of this build-up and make your gums healthier. The bleeding should stop after you’ve been flossing regularly for a week or so.

Signs of gum disease

If bleeding when flossing continues or if your gums regularly bleed when brushing your teeth, then it could be an early sign of gum disease. Plaque and tarter around your gum line start to affect the gums, eventually leading to swollen and tender gums that are more likely to bleed during brushing. See your dentist if your gums regularly bleed during brushing to assess your risk of gum disease and treat the problem.

Bad brushing

It could be the way you’re brushing your teeth that’s causing problems. If you brush too roughly, then your gums may start to recede over time as well as causing bleeding. Similarly, flossing too roughly could also be the cause of bleeding gums. When buying your toothbrushes, look for soft or medium-bristled brushes as hard bristles can also cause bleeding.

Vitamin deficiency

Poor nutrition can cause a lot of side effects, including some that affect your oral health. Vitamin deficiencies could be the cause of your bleeding gums, particularly deficiencies in vitamin C or vitamin K. Try to eat a varied diet to get enough of the right vitamins and minerals, or take supplements if you find it difficult to get enough vitamins through food.

If you have bleeding gums when brushing or flossing, then book a trip to the dentist for a check-up to diagnose the cause. If something is wrong, then catching it early will help to treat the problem and avoid any serious or long-term effects. Contact Advance Family Dentists to book your dental check-up in Advance, NC.