When you are brushing your teeth and you notice the taste of blood, you might begin to worry. You may begin to think: Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth? This can be a worrisome situation, and it could be a sign of serious issues. Most of the time, though, it’s just a small problem that can be easily fixed.
If you’re asking yourself: Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth? You should also ask yourself these questions:
Am I brushing too much?
Although most people don’t brush enough, sometimes people do brush their teeth too much. It might seem like a good solution for bad breath, but brushing more than five times a day can cause wear and tear on your gums. Dentists recommend you brush after every meal or at least two to three times per day.
What kind of toothbrush am I using?
Every kind of toothbrush has its bristles labeled soft, medium, or hard. Sometimes, people think that using a hard-bristled toothbrush means they’re getting their teeth cleaner because it feels like you’re scrubbing harder. However, dentists actually recommend you use a toothbrush with soft bristles. The soft bristles are gentler and still get the job done. Using too hard of a toothbrush can cause some irritation to your teeth and gums and ultimately lead to bleeding.
Am I being too tough with my soft brush?
If your brush is soft, you might evaluate how you brush your teeth. If you’re going too fast and too hard, you could be causing that blood to show up. You want to be firm but gentle when brushing your teeth. Go in slow, circular motions, spending about 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth. The same goes for flossing. Don’t rush and don’t be too rough.
Let A Dentist Diagnose The Problem
If you are using the right kind of brush, brushing slowly and gently, and not over brushing, you might have a more serious issue such as gum disease or gingivitis. These can easily be prevented and cared for once developed.
TalkLocal can connect you with a dental health professional to answer your questions about these issues and help get your teeth healthy again.
