Perfectly healthy gums should not bleed when we brush our teeth, says Dr. Mark Gustavson, a partner at Affiliated Dentists in Madison, Wisconsin. If they do, you need to start examining your oral hygiene habits, and if things don’t improve quickly, it’s time to book an appointment with your dentist.
Healthy gums should not bleed when you brush your teeth. When a patient’s oral hygiene is not as good as it should be, the build-up of plaque and tartar inflames the tissue. That means that when you go to brush it or remove the tartar, then your gums will bleed.
If the plaque is consistently removed with good flossing and brushing habits and the patient regularly sees his dentist, his gum tissue should not bleed.
If after regular cleaning and perfect oral hygiene bleeding still exists, then the concern becomes detecting the presence of periodontal disease. If periodontal disease is present, then periodontal therapy would need to be completed. That could be through scaling and root cleaning, the use of antibiotics in the pockets of the gum tissue around the teeth, and more frequent periodontal maintenance visits.
With severe periodontal disease, sometimes bone grafting can be completed to regrow some bone. But in worst cases, the only option is sometimes removal of the teeth, and then hopefully replacement with a dental implant.
It is always a good idea to see your dentist if you notice any of the following problems:
- Bleeding of the gums on a regular basis, whenever you brush or floss your teeth.
- Teeth that are loose when they should not be.
- Persistent bad breath that does not go away despite proper oral hygiene habits.
- Discoloration of the gums.
- Gums that appear unduly red, swollen or tender.
If your gums appear to be pulling away from your mouth or if there is pus when you brush your teeth, see your dentist immediately. Gum disease can be stopped with early intervention. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
