Dental Office in Chicago Explains Why Your Gums Could be Bleeding and What’s the Next Best Step

When you’re brushing your teeth and notice bleeding, it can be a bit alarming and sometimes scary. People can think the worst when they notice blood, but they’re not always sure why it happened. There isn’t always one specific reason that someone’s gums could be bleeding, but it’s always a concern that should be addressed as soon as possible. Below, your dental office in Chicago will discuss reasons why your gums could be bleeding and what you should do next.

A New Toothbrush
It’s important to change your toothbrush every 3-4 months because the bristles wear down from every day use. After this amount of time, the bristles are much softer, but aren’t cleaning as well as they used to when you got it. When you switch to a new toothbrush, perhaps even a different brand, the bristles may be very firm and can cause your gums to bleed. If you’re experiencing this frequently, don’t hesitate to ask us what type of brush you should use if you find that your gums are sensitive.

Flossing
If you haven’t flossed in a few days or longer and pick the routine back up again, it’s likely that your gums will bleed. This is because you’re thoroughly removing the built up bacteria and food particles that have been in between your teeth for an extended amount of time. If you keep up with this routine, then the bleeding should go away in about a week’s time. If not, please give us a call and schedule an appointment—there may be something deeper.

Gingivitis
Not as innocent as the others, patients may be suffering from the early stage of gum disease also known as gingivitis. The build-up of bacteria and plaque on your teeth and gum line that hasn’t been properly cleaned by brushing and flossing can make your gums sensitive and susceptible to bleeding. They’ll also be swollen and red. When you brush your teeth and your gums bleed, you should schedule a routine cleaning to make sure that your smile is protected and the gingivitis won’t turn into something worse!

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, your dental office in Chicago wants to know so we can correct this issue as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment today by calling our office at (773) 643-6006.