Can you think of a time during a tooth-cleaning where you heard Dr. Scaggs or Dr. Penchan call out numbers as they probed a device between each tooth? They were actually seeing how healthy your gums are, which is the “living proof” of how much flossing and brushing you’re doing. These numbers themselves correlate to the very health of your gums.
We’ve all experienced our gums turning red, whether it was from brushing or flossing too vigorously, or as a chronic sign of something else. In cases of bleeding gums from brushing, healthy gums can recover quickly. However, constantly tender or sensitive gums can be a painful and problematic reality for many of our patients.
The unpleasant truth is that bleeding or sensitive gums are usually the result of bad oral hygiene—and, though it seems counterproductive, it takes diligent brushing, flossing, and a potential change in diet to cure it.
Know that you are not alone in having sensitive gums. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately half of Americans aged 30 or older suffer from some form of gum disease. Most of these are entirely correctable, but without care can lead to gingivitis and other problems that leave gums swollen and bleeding for several days at a time.
So, what causes gums to bleed? Several things, actually:
- Plaque buildup along the gum line and in between teeth
- Vitamin deficiency
- Bleeding disorders or blood thinning medications
- Pregnancy hormones
- Systemic infections
- Use of chemotherapy
- Smoking and chewing tobacco
- Wearing dentures that don’t fit properly
- And improper flossing or brushing
We’ve compiled a 5-piece action item list of oral hygiene techniques below to help you understand how to better care for bleeding gums.
Let’s begin!
- Brushing
It should go without saying that brushing properly (which includes brushing for approximately two minutes twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste) is your number-one fix to bleeding gums. Be sure to use short, gentle strokes—especially if you’re dealing with sensitive gums. Also, don’t miss the back teeth, backs of your teeth, and any fillings, crowns, implants, etc. Finally, give a little love to that sweet spot where your gums meet your teeth.2 And remember to think about the toothbrush you’re using! A brush whose bristles are splayed out to the sides is well past its expiration date.
- Flossing routinely
Find a flossing routine that works best for you in order to prevent skipping or making excuses. We here at Josey Lane recommend evening time, post dinner, as the most appropriate time seeing as a day’s-worth of food will be stored between your teeth. Even if your gums are perpetually sore or bleeding, flossing can eventually help improve your gums’ health. Be sure to use the “C” shape with the floss around the corners of each tooth, and wiggle the floss gently down into your gums. You’ll want to be sure to use a new section on the string of floss for each tooth/gum area. This is important because moving the food debris or plaque over to the next area only ensures your gums will remain infected and a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Use mouthwash
While using mouthwash sneaks into some patients’ oral hygiene as a replacement for toothbrushing, which is wholly counterproductive, we do see mouthwash as a product that can play a part warding off gum disease (and tooth decay). You can use mouthwash once to twice daily for your best oral hygiene routine. Just ensure that your mouthwash is fluoride based!
- A visit to the dentist
Outside of your regular semi-annual visits, an immediate trip to the dentist is necessary if you are having any prolonged symptoms of bleeding gums. Regular visits help both you and your dentist understand what is going on, and how to remedy the situation. If you don’t visit us, no recommendations can be made.
- A healthy diet
There are so many options when it comes to foods that actually HELP clean your teeth as you eat them—as well as provide those necessary nutrients for healthy pearly whites and gum tissue. Some of the best options include: nuts, cheese, leafy/crunchy fruits and vegetables, and lean protein.
With the approaching holidays, we know how much everyone wants you showing off that beautiful smile. So, if you aren’t already cautious about the health of your mouth, we here at Josey Lane hope that this list helps you get on the right track to a holiday-card twinkle in your season’s smile!
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