At Family Smile Center LLC, we want our patients in Frederick, Maryland, to know that taking good care of your oral health will benefit not just your precious pearly whites, but your gum health as well. In fact, did you know that your gums are an indicator of your overall health?
The main cause of bleeding gums is the steady buildup of plaque at the gum line, which leads to gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, but there are a variety of factors which may also cause your gums to bleed.
Brushing too hard: brushing too hard can irritate the gums, so try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with gentle, circular motions instead of sawing back and forth. We recommend using an electric toothbrush such as Sonicare.
Vitamin deficiency: too little essential vitamins in the body, especially vitamin C and K can cause gum tissue to bleed.
Anemia: a lack of iron can cause a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood and cause bleeding.
Medication: blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) and certain blood pressure medications can result in gum inflammation.
Smoking: the toxins from smoking tobacco can irritate the gums and result in dry mouth.
Hormonal Changes: pregnancy and menstruation cause a hormonal spike which alters the chemical balance in your mouth, affecting gum tissue.
Infection: if you have periodontitis, this is a serious gum infection that eventually destroys the bones that support your teeth. In addition, this may also increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
If you have bleeding gums, or have questions regarding your oral health, please give our Family Smile Center team a call today at 301.663.9484 and let us help. Dr. Cha and Dr. Dinh and our team are always ready to help our patients in Frederick, Maryland and the neighboring communities achieve confident, healthy smiles!