Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

We want to help our patients have excellent oral health. We know that it can be concerning when you experience a problem with your teeth or mouth. One issue we see often is bleeding gums. This can happen because of something as simple as food being stuck between your teeth and irritating the gums, but in other cases it could be a warning that something more serious is occurring with your oral health. Some possible causes of bleeding gums can include:

Poor Oral Hygiene
You may be surprised to learn this, but one of the most common reasons for bleeding gums is poor oral hygiene. While we are sure that you are brushing your teeth, you may not be using the proper motions or using dental floss correctly. Be sure to brush using gentle strokes, and do not forcefully push the dental floss into your gums. If you are unsure how to properly clean your teeth, we will be happy to help you during your next visit.

Gum Disease
Gum disease is a condition that affects approximately half of American adults, so there is always a chance you may be experiencing the symptoms. This condition occurs when there is a buildup of plaque and tartar along the gum line. There are not many warning signs to alert you to this condition, and bleeding gums is one of the few that can indicate a problem. You may be in the beginning stages of the disease.

Medications
There are a number of medications that can cause bleeding gums. Some include blood thinners, birth control medications, and even aspirin. It is important to notify our office of any changes in your medical history and medications you are taking, as they can impact the manner in which we clean your teeth.

If you experience bleeding gums it is important not to worry, but it is important to visit us soon. If you are located in Fort Lee, NJ or the surrounding area, we recommend calling our office to schedule an appointment. We can perform an examination and determine the exact cause and recommend a treatment plan. We look forward to helping get your oral health back on track.

(201) 429-0097