When you spit in the sink after brushing your teeth, do you see some slight redness in your mouth or mixed with the toothpaste? Do you have gums that bleed often while you floss? It’s important to be aware of bleeding gums because this is often a symptom of gum disease or other conditions. We offer some insight into how bleeding gums can occur in your smile as a result of gum care or health concerns.
If you have begun flossing your teeth every day as a recent habit after not practicing this for a while and your gums feel sore or bleed afterward, keep up this habit. Flossing is very beneficial for your oral health because it protects your gums and teeth. However, if you haven’t flossed in a while, your gums may not be accustomed to the habit and could bleed a little at first before the gum irritation goes away naturally. If you still have bleeding gums after two weeks of daily flossing, it’s important that you notify your dentist to determine if you should receive treatment.
One of the main culprits of bleeding gums is a buildup of plaque or tartar that occurs on your gum line and irritates the gums until they start to bleed as result. An inconsistent oral care routine or a lack of flossing can allow plaque to remain on the teeth long enough that it turns into tartar, which can cause you to develop gum disease. We encourage you to brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to avoid plaque buildup, as well as visit the dentist for routine dental checkups to keep your gums in good health.
Whether you have questions about gum health or are struggling with bleeding gums in Fort Collins, Colorado, we invite you to contact Englehardt & Nelson Family Dentistry at 970-484-4890 today for an appointment with one of our dentistss. Dr. Engelhardt, Dr. Beseda, and Dr. Nelson are here for your oral health!