Englewood Cliffs Dentist gives possible reasons for bleeding gums

It brings immediate pause: you are brushing and flossing as you normally do and stop in your tracks when you spot red showing up on the toothbrush. A longer gaze into mirror baring teeth confirms the reality. Your Englewood Cliffs dentist shares some of the reasons below: 

 

Your normally pinkish gums are bleeding ‘a bit.’  Do not panic! Lighten up on the brushing and flossing but finish the job. The bleeding may be your zealousness with the brush or perhaps the brush bristles are too hard.

 

Make sure toothbrush is a soft nylon bristle with the blunted end. Medium to hard bristle brushes might be bringing about damage to that sensitive gum tissue bringing inflammation, tenderness, and bleeding.

 

What to watch out for? 

 

Keep a watch to see if the bleeding continues even with the softer approach to brushing. If it does you may have early signs of Gingivitis or gum disease. Do not panic! Gingivitis or gum disease is common and it can be reversed with proper oral hygiene. Left untreated, however, Gingivitis can lead to the more advanced gum problem known as Periodontitis, which is an infection of the gums, jawbone and supportive tissue that connect your teeth and gums. Left untreated, Periodontitis leads to loosening and possibly loss of tooth or teeth.

 

Do not be closed-mouthed about gums that bleed when brushing, but open wide and tell concerns to your Englewood Cliffs dentist as soon as possible.