Whether you floss every day or twice a year, it is possible for anyone to experience bloody gums. Bleeding gums are something that should never happen – even when getting a professional clean – and it usually means you have gum disease. But what caused it? Consider these three reasons your gums are not receiving the healthy treatment they deserve.
Bad Oral Health Routine
Let’s face it, not everyone is a flossing guru, but that isn’t an excuse to skip it all together. Your gums can become infected within 24 hours of not brushing or flossing. The next time you brush your teeth after avoiding it for an entire day, it is very likely you will experience bleeding and tenderness along the gum line. Allowing only a short time period for redemption, gum disease can sneak up on you before you know it! This is a hint that it’s time to start brushing and flossing twice a day like your doctor always told you.
Stress Overload
As stress increases, heart rate and blood pressure escalates. This has a destructive effect on your gum tissues. When your blood pressure is too high, it causes blood vessels in your gums to inflame, causing the tissue to break down. Your gums are then unable to heal themselves because of the continual effect of expanding vessels and torn tissue.
Your Medicine is Counter Productive
Not in the sense that they aren’t doing their job. Some medicines have a side effect of dry mouth or raised blood pressure. As mentioned with stress, high blood pressure leads to swollen blood vessels and torn gums. If your medicine causes dry mouth and decreases the amount of saliva in your mouth, your gums will not be able to properly fight against plaque. If this is the case, you may need to try other tricks to increase your saliva flow, like chewing sugar free gum or inquiring your doctor for a different prescription.
Family History
Unfortunately for some, your gums will be weak and sensitive no matter what you do. Gum disease can be genetic and cause constant gum bleeding and irritation. Getting a DNA test to resolve the matter is the first step in healthy gums. Tooth extraction, periodontal surgery, and even laser treatment can relieve you of genetic periodontal disease.
If you or someone you know is suffering from constant bleeding gums despite their oral health efforts, contact Greenspoint Dental in Houston, Texas for a consultation. These four points only account for a small list of reasons on why your gums may be bleeding.