The Relationship Between Bleeding Gums and Gingivitis

Bleeding gums are an unwelcome sight, no matter what the cause is. Whether you’re simply brushing your teeth too aggressively or you have more significant problems going on, bloody gums are never a good sign. Not only will your gums hurt when you try to eat or drink certain things, but acidic or salty items will sting no matter what form they’re in. If you have bloody gums, there’s a problem occurring that you need to get to the bottom of. One of the more serious conditions associated with bleeding gums is gingivitis.

Signs and symptoms of gingivitis

Gingivitis is a serious gum condition that can lead to a condition called periodontitis. If you take care of your gingivitis before it has the chance to progress, then you don’t have to worry about anything more significant happening. Here are some signs and symptoms of gingivitis.

Bloody or inflamed gums

Bloody gums are very closely linked to gingivitis. They are the first surefire sign that you might be struggling with the disease. Your gums could be bleeding for any number of reasons, such as brushing or flossing too aggressively or eating sugary or acidic foods. They could also be bleeding because of gingivitis. If you have an otherwise healthy diet and don’t brush too hard but still have bloody gums, gingivitis could cause.

Red or puffy gums

Along with gums that bleed, red, puffy, or swollen gums can also be an indicator of gingivitis.

Terrible breath

When I say terrible breath, I mean absolutely rank and for no apparent reason. Foods like garlic and onions will give you bad breath, but gingivitis will provide you with bad breath no matter what. Brushing and flossing can hide the effects slightly, but it won’t address the issue.

Pain and discomfort in other parts of your body

If your gingivitis becomes more advanced, you’ll experience pain in other parts of your body and not just your mouth. Things like pain when chewing, loose teeth, and sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink are signs of advanced gingivitis bordering on periodontitis.

How to prevent gingivitis and bloody gums

Gingivitis and bloody gums are pesky problems that nobody wants to deal with. The good news is that you don’t have to! If you want to prevent gingivitis and bleeding gums from occurring, then here are some helpful tips and tricks.

First off, brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Brushing and flossing are the foundation of good oral health. However, make sure that you don’t do these things too aggressively, as they could cause your gums to bleed.

Next, make sure that you visit a dentist at least twice a year. By seeing your dentist regularly, they can keep a close eye on your oral health and keep any problems from getting out of control. A good dentist will check for things like gingivitis and get you the help that you need.

Finally, be proactive with your oral health; contact your dentist immediately if you start to notice blood in your spit when brushing or any other signs of gingivitis. They’ll know what to do and give you the advice and care that you need. 

Request an appointment here: https://familydentistphoenix.com or call Phoenix Family Dentistry at (602) 547-9007 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.