Blood and pain after brushing your teeth? An expert clarifies in an interview what the most common causes of bleeding gums are.
Why Does Bleeding Gums Occur So Often?
Noticing small blood spots in the sink after brushing your teeth can be concerning. There can be several causes for this, as Dr. Jochen Schmidt, dental director of Carree Dental in Cologne, reveals in an interview with the news agency spot on news.
Many People Don’t Initially Think Much About Bleeding Gums. What Are the Most Common Causes?
Dr. Jochen H. Schmidt: If bleeding occurs while brushing your teeth, it almost always indicates an inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. It can also be a sign of inflammation of the periodontium, known as periodontitis.
However, other causes might be behind bleeding gums, such as diabetes mellitus, nutrient deficiencies, or certain medications. Often, a changed estrogen level during pregnancy is also the trigger.
In some cases, simply brushing too hard with the toothbrush or improper use of dental floss can cause injuries to the gums or oral mucosa. This can only be clarified by a visit to the (dental) doctor.
Why Does Bleeding Gums Occur So Often?
Schmidt: The main reason is often insufficient oral hygiene. If teeth are not cleaned thoroughly and regularly, bacteria in the oral flora multiply rapidly. Gum inflammations or, as mentioned, periodontitis are very often the consequences. Bleeding gums is in most cases a clear warning sign.
When Should You Be Concerned About Bleeding Gums?
Schmidt: Essentially, bleeding gums is an indication that something is not right. If it lasts longer or occurs regularly, it should not be ignored and should be clarified by a dentist soon.
If this symptom is caused by gum inflammation, as in most cases, timely treatment is essential. Otherwise, it often develops into periodontitis – and in this case, serious consequences threaten. The chronic inflammation of the periodontium causes the gums to recede over the years and damages the entire dental support structure, including the jawbone, in the long term. Possible consequences: Through the inflammation in the gums, germs enter the bloodstream and endanger overall health. The risk of diabetes, vascular calcification, and heart attacks increases.
It has been proven that people with periodontitis suffer particularly often from dangerous high blood pressure. Modern medicine now even assumes that there are connections between inflammations in the periodontium and joint problems. There are some indications that people with severe periodontitis are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis and rheumatism, for example.
When Should You See a Dentist for Bleeding Gums?
Schmidt: If bleeding gums persists for several days or occurs regularly, medical clarification is required. The dentist should also be consulted promptly if the gums bleed heavily, are swollen, or if fever is added.
Even in the case of simple gum inflammation, a dentist is needed. This is the only way to prevent it from developing into periodontitis. Primarily, tartar and plaques (plaque) are removed through professional dental cleaning. In the case of periodontitis, the gum pockets are also cleaned. Additionally, antibiotics and disinfecting mouthwashes may be necessary for successful treatment.
A fundamental problem is early diagnosis: Due to its slow and initially painless progression, periodontitis often goes unnoticed and is therefore often recognized very late. This is also why regular check-ups are very important.
How Can We Prevent Bleeding Gums?
Schmidt: Besides regular check-ups, thorough dental care is essential for preventing periodontitis and thus the best protection against bleeding gums. Plaque can be gently but thoroughly removed with an electric toothbrush. Conventional toothbrushes are often too soft or too hard and are used incorrectly, which can promote bacterial plaque or harm the gums. In daily oral hygiene, the hard-to-reach molars should be particularly thoroughly cleaned with a toothbrush, dental floss, and interdental brushes. This is where a lot of plaque typically accumulates.
If the gums have receded, interdental brushes are an excellent choice. They allow targeted cleaning of areas that “normal” toothbrushes cannot reach. Tongue brushes are also beneficial: they remove bacteria on the tongue, which often cause bad breath.
It is also advisable to have a dental check-up and professional cleaning twice a year. This protects against inflammations and is a key part of dental prevention, as well as solid periodontitis treatment.
What Helps Best with Acute Bleeding Gums?
Schmidt: Bleeding can be stopped with the help of a clean compress. Lightly press it on the affected area. Ice cubes can also relieve discomfort. Additionally, (short-term!) teas made from boiled chamomile, ginger, or sage help against gum inflammation and bleeding. Used as a mouthwash several times a day, the lukewarm teas have a disinfecting and soothing effect.
And one more dental care tip: In the case of acute gum inflammation, be sure to thoroughly brush the surrounding teeth, as the resulting plaque can worsen the inflammation.
