Thankfully, bleeding gums is a highly treatable condition that is usually not permanent. We reached out to several dentists to determine the most common causes of bleeding gums and what you can do to prevent the issue. If you suspect an underlying health concern, contact your doctor to get help fixing the problem. “You might be surprised to learn that even a temporary lapse in otherwise stellar oral hygiene sometimes causes bleeding gums,” says Lana Rozenberg, DDS, a board-certified cosmetic dentist at Rozenberg Dental NYC. “Research shows healthy gums can become bleeding and diseased gums with just one day off proper oral care.” Some people also avoid flossing altogether because it makes their gums bleed—but if that’s the case, you should actually be flossing more. “By not flossing or inconsistently flossing, you will be missing about 35 percent of the plaque and biofilm between your teeth,” says Joseph C. DiSano, FAGD, DDS, owner of South County Smiles in Rhode Island. It’s important to note that some oral hygiene products can actually contribute to bleeding gums too. More specifically, “Antiseptic products, including mouthwash and toothpaste [can] destroy the oral microbiome,” says Kourosh Maddahi, DDS, a board-certified cosmetic dentist in Beverly Hills.
Floss Types and Proper Technique
Dr. Maddahi suggests creating a “C” shape with the floss around each tooth and “gently go below the gum until you cannot go any further without exerting too much pressure.” That way, you don’t miss any hidden food particles or bacteria. When deciding what kind of floss to buy, there are a couple of things you should take into consideration. First, we all have different-sized gaps between our teeth, which means one strand of the same floss won’t work for everyone. Some people might need to double up or opt for a wider or thinner brand. Also, make sure the floss you’re using isn’t toxic. According to the CDC, some types of dental floss contain chemicals called PFAS (perfluorohexane sulfonic acids), which might be linked to increased cholesterol levels, a greater risk of developing kidney or testicular cancer, an increased risk of high blood pressure, and other health concerns. The good news: Non-toxic dental floss exists and is 100 percent plant-based and made with vegan candelilla wax. Plus, non-toxic floss is plastic-free and isn’t coated with any artificial flavors. Bonus points for saving the earth and saving your gums, right? “When orthodontics are present, it is especially important to be cognizant of the increased challenges with cleaning your teeth on a regular basis,” says Dr. DiSano. It’s easy to overlook brushing small, hidden spots on your teeth when you’re wearing braces or other orthodontic devices, but part of achieving that perfect, straight smile you’ve always wanted is keeping up with your oral hygiene—even if that means putting in some extra effort.
Best Cleaning Tools
According to Nammy Patel, DDS, a holistic dentist based in San Francisco, investing in an electric toothbrush and water flosser might be worth it to keep your orthodontic hygiene in check. “Electric toothbrushes can rotate from 3,000 to 7,000 strokes per minute. At the most, a person using a manual toothbrush generates about 300 strokes per minute,” she explains. “As for the water flosser, most people don’t take the time to floss correctly—if they floss at all. That’s why I recommend a water flosser. Using it at the highest setting can get in between all those teeth.”
How to Reverse Gingivitis
Poor oral hygiene is usually the primary cause of gingivitis, so your safest bet to stop your gums from bleeding is to set up a deep cleaning appointment with your dentist. In the interim, be sure to thoroughly floss and really brush your teeth—don’t forget about the teeth way in the back of your mouth! Many health insurances cover biannual dental visits, so you should check into whether or not yours does, too. During those visits, your dentist might notice subtle changes in your teeth and gums that you might have otherwise overlooked. By catching these issues early on, it’s usually easier to treat them. Plus, “your dentist and dental hygienist may recommend preventative procedures such as fluoride treatments or a change to your routine cleaning procedures frequency if you have existing medical conditions,” says Dr. DiSanto.
When to See a Doctor
If your teeth feel a little wobbly, set up an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If your dentist determines that your gum inflammation is the result of periodontal disease, you’re going to need a professional deep cleaning. “It’s imperative to follow through with this treatment,” says Dr. DiSano. “This procedure, completed by a dental hygienist, removes the inflammation, plaque, tartar, and buildup below the gumline, removing the cause of inflammation at the root.” “If a tooth becomes infected, it is possible that the infection will work its way out through the gums, causing a pimple-like bubble,” says Dr. DiSano. “This bubble may bleed and be painful to the touch.” Tooth infections should be treated by your dentist immediately to avoid further infection. The solution? Try to revamp parts of your diet. “Fruits and veggies, along with calcium, vitamins C and D, and magnesium, are critical components of oral health,” says Dr. Rozenberg. “Make sure you get your daily recommended dose of these nutrients.” If your gums don’t heal properly, you might experience bleeding during brushing, says Rashmi Byakodi, BDS, the editor of Best for Nutrition. If you can’t quit smoking, talk to your doctor about what you can do to stop your gums from bleeding. To find ways to lessen the amount of gum bleeding you might be experiencing during pregnancy, set up an appointment with your doctor. If you find yourself more stressed than usual, work on relaxation techniques and improve your lifestyle by eating right and exercising more. Some other medications that might cause your gums to bleed are antidepressants and blood pressure medications. Telling your dentist about new medications is crucial when it comes to diagnosing conditions like bleeding gums and other oral issues, says Dr. Rozenberg. Even if you’ve been taking Advil more often lately, that’s important for them to know. Some systemic diseases and disorders, such as hemophilia, may also cause bleeding gums. These people may bleed from the gum spontaneously or after a simple cleaning procedure, says Dr. Hung. If lifestyle changes haven’t helped, and you suspect you have an underlying health condition, reach out to your doctor for further evaluation.
