We all know that icky metallic taste that comes when we bite our cheek too hard or end up with a nick on our tongue. Ow! Sometimes, though, you might notice that your gums are bleeding even when they haven’t suffered an obvious injury. Your dentist in Ocala is here to talk about why this happens and how you should handle such situations.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, especially gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) is extremely common in adults. If the pink tissue around your teeth is swollen or tender, or if it bleeds when you’re brushing, it’s possible that you have this problem. Don’t worry, though. For most people, reversing the condition is as easy as making a few adjustments to your oral hygiene routine. Your dentist will be able to give you specific tips on how to take control of your gum health.
Pregnancy
If you’re carrying a tiny human inside you, you might develop pregnancy gingivitis because of all the hormones that are at work in your body. Be sure to attend regular dental checkups and practice great oral hygiene so you can greet your new baby with a healthy smile when they arrive.
Your Brushing Habits
Brushing your teeth is one of the best things for your oral health, but if you don’t do it properly, you could end up hurting your gums. For example, choosing a brush with hard bristles or brushing too aggressively could cause your periodontal tissue to bleed. Always use short, gentle strokes when you’re brushing. If the bristles make your gums hurt, try switching to a brush with soft or medium bristles instead of firm.
Flossing
If you avoid flossing because it always makes your gums bleed, don’t conclude that you should just skip this part of your oral hygiene routine. When you first get into the habit of cleaning between your teeth, the floss might cause a bit of bleeding. However, once you’ve been flossing regularly for a week or so, you shouldn’t experience any problems.
If the bleeding persists, pay a visit to your dentist in Ocala, who will take a look at your mouth and let you know if other factors are causing our gum discomfort.
Medications
Some medications thin the blood, which may make your gums bleed more easily than they would otherwise. If you’ve recently started a new prescription or are taking aspirin regularly, be sure to let your dentist know.
Bleeding gums are uncomfortable, but they’re rarely serious. However, if you experience excessive bleeding or you have any concerns about your oral health, you may need to visit your emergency dentist in Ocala. After all, your gums are an important part of your smile and we wouldn’t want anything to jeopardize that winning grin of yours!
About the Dentist
Dr. Daniel Weldon is proud to look after the oral health of folks in Ocala. He offers preventive services, gum treatments, and more to help his patients have beautiful, functional smiles. If you have any concerns about the state of your gums or teeth, please contact our office at 352-622-3236.