Why Do My Gums Bleed?

At our office locations throughout the Niagara Peninsula, our patients commonly ask us why their gums bleed when they floss or brush their teeth. In reality, there are numerous reasons why gum tissue bleeds upon brushing or flossing. The list below may help you understand why it's happening to you:
• Poor or infrequent oral hygiene
• Lack of scheduled brushing and flossing
• Unscheduled professional cleaning that should reoccur every 6 months
• Systemic diseases (diabetes, cancer, etc.)
• Certain medications that cause gum bleeding as a side-effect
• Fillings, caps, or crowns that aren't aligned properly and trap food in between
• Orthodontic malocclusion or misalignment, overlap, or overcrowding of the teeth
• Uncontrolled periodontal infection that causes pus and bleeding
• Fractured teeth that trap bacteria in between
Nearly all of these problems that link to bleeding gums involve plaque or bacteria that mix with food and settles around the gum line. Also known as gingivitis, this condition causes an inflammatory response by the body's immune system. Until this plaque is removed, it will harden to form tougher tartar, and bleeding of the gums ensues.
While brushing your teeth is an integral part of oral hygiene, it's not as effective once plaque turns to tartar. This is why it is important for people to visit a licensed dentist or orthodontist for a routine cleaning and checkup, especially for people suffering from bleeding gums. Routine checkups will also benefit you in the long run by reducing the risk of oral diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis.