Albertville, AL
Bleeding from the body usually indicates a problem that needs addressing. When it comes to oral health, bleeding gums could signal a serious condition. There are several causes for bleeding gums, so it is vital to visit your family-friendly dentists in Albertville at Wall Street Dentistry to uncover the cause and receive treatment before additional damage occurs.
‘Pink in the Sink’
When expectorating during brushing or flossing, you may notice a pink color. The color is the result of your gums bleeding while brushing or flossing. Although the condition is common, it is not normal for your gums to bleed. The leading cause of bleeding gums is bacteria that has accumulated under the gumline. However, your leading Albertville family dentists share more possible reasons for your bleeding gums.
- New Toothbrush – Using a hard-bristled brush could result in some bleeding. Therefore, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends using a soft-bristled brush to massage your teeth gently.
- Aggressive Brushing – Noticing the bristles on your toothbrush are fanned-out or splayed could be a sign of forceful brushing. It is also a sign of an ineffective toothbrush, and it is time to purchase a new one. It may seem that applying more pressure will produce better results, but it causes more harm than good. Therefore, when you brush your teeth, brush in a circular motion while using gentle pressure to reduce possible damage to your teeth or gums.
- Improper Flossing Technique (or not flossing at all) – The ADA recommends flossing your teeth a minimum of once per day to remove remaining food debris and bacteria. If you choose not to floss each day, your gums may bleed when you do floss. When you skip a few days of flossing, you could experience bleeding gums, but when you resume flossing daily, the bleeding should subside.
- Gingivitis – Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and occurs when tartar accumulates on your teeth. The build-up of tartar is the result of a lack of regular professional dental cleanings. Even though gingivitis affects half of the U.S. population, it is treatable and reversible with proper oral care. If you choose to ignore your condition, the infection can progress into periodontitis, which is incurable, but manageable with appropriate oral care.
- Periodontitis – The advanced condition of gingivitis can damage your teeth, gums, and underlying bone structure. Severe gum disease, or periodontitis, may not only result in possible tooth loss but also increase your risk of additional health conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease.
How to Prevent Bleeding Gums
Seeing some pink in the sink could cause worry or anxiety when brushing and flossing your teeth. Fortunately, there are ways to stop your gums from bleeding and reverse the damage. To begin, establish a regular oral regimen of brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and regularly visit our Albertville family dentist office for preventative care twice per year. Then, be cautious of snacks high in sugar, carbohydrates, or are highly acidic as they increase the risk of developing gum disease. Lastly, stop bad habits like smoking because it increases your risk of developing tooth decay and oral cancer.
Family Dentists in Albertville, Boaz, and Guntersville, Alabama
Following a daily regimen of brushing and flossing, you can keep your gums healthy so that they no longer bleed. Also, visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings can help remove tartar that can cause your gums to bleed. If you have noticed some pink in the sink or have pain while brushing or flossing, feel free to contact Wall Street Dentistry for an appointment by calling (256) 878-0525 or contact us online today.