Occasionally when I brush my teeth, my gums bleed slightly. Once they start to bleed after being brushed, the only way to stop it from happening again is to do the following:
- Give your teeth a good flossing – I don’t routinely floss my teeth as I find it a ballache. I’m sure if I did it regularly, my teeth would probably never bleed.
When I do floss, It can get quite bloody and painful.
I prefer floss sticks because I find them easier to use than traditional dental floss.
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Thoroughly rinse with warm salty water – After I’ve flossed in between all my teeth, I thoroughly rinse, using warm salty water. I used to rinse using mouthwash, but the dentist said that salty water is a better option.
- Gently brush teeth – Once I’ve flossed and rinsed my mouth, I give my teeth a gentle brush with a medium-hard manual toothbrush.
Usually, it only takes one session of doing the above 3 steps and my gums stop bleeding when brushed. If they still bleed, I repeat the 3 steps again 24 hours later.
I’ve asked my dentist why my teeth sometimes bleed after brushing, he gave a load of different reasons that cause bleeding gums, brushing too hard, bacteria etc. He didn’t think that I had anything to worry about and just suggested that I floss regularly…….standard
If your teeth regularly bleed after brushing, you should probably book yourself in for a checkup with your dentist.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
If you do find your gums bleed on a regular basis, it is best to try and understand what is causing the problem. Below are some common reasons why gums bleed:
- Poor oral hygiene: If you’re not regularly brushing and flossing your teeth properly, plaque will build up, causing gums to bleed.
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Avoid tobacco: Smoking and using other tobacco products can worsen gum bleeding and delay healing.
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Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, can help support gum health. Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks, which can contribute to gum inflammation.
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Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth moist and wash away food particles and bacteria.
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Manage stress: Stress can weaken the immune system and contribute to gum problems.
The NHS website has some good information about gum disease.
