You are not alone, in case you have noticed pink in the sink after brushing your teeth. Many people experience bleeding gums even though they brush regularly, and it can be confusing and frustrating. You are doing what you are expected to do, brushing twice a day, so why is this happening?
The fact of the matter is that bleeding gums are not normal and are not often caused by brushing alone. The bleeding gums, in most instances, are an early sign of gum disease and a pointer that something in your day-to-day routine requires a touch. The good news? Bleeding gums can be avoided and cured with proper habits and professional care. At Morrison Dental in Fort McMurray, we’ve been helping patients understand and overcome gum disease Fort McMurray residents face for over 40 years. Let’s discuss them and what can be done concerning them.
What Bleeding Gums Really Mean for Your Oral Health
Healthy gums are hard, pink and do not bleed when brushed or flossed. Most of the time, when gums are injected, swollen or tender, it is due to plaque and tartar buildup along the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria which sticks to your teeth during the day. Unless it is removed through proper brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, a rough, calcified material that can only be removed by a dental professional.
This buildup activates the immune system of your body, leading to inflammation referred to as gingivitis, which is the first phase of gum disease. Unattended gingivitis leads to periodontitis, which is a severe type of gingivitis which destroys soft tissues and bone that hold your teeth. It may cause bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and ultimately tooth loss. Research also indicates that gum disease is linked to other systemic health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes; hence, it is not only an oral health problem.
The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed by appropriate care and professional dental cleaning for bleeding gums. Recognizing the early signs of gum disease, bleeding, redness, swelling, or persistent bad breath, is the first step toward protecting your smile.
6 Everyday Habits Sabotaging Your Oral Health
➨ Habit #1: Brushing Too Hard (Or Using a Hard-Bristled Toothbrush)
You may think that using more vigorous scrubbing will make your teeth cleaner; however, hard scrubbing would only do more harm than good. Overbrushing may destroy the sensitive gum tissue, which will recede and bleed. It will also erode tooth enamel, increasing sensitivity and the risk of cavity formation.
This is aggravated by hard-bristle toothbrushes. Although they may think that they are doing a better job, they are too rough on the gums and teeth of most individuals. Soft-bristled brushes that are either manual or electric are recommended by dentists as they are soft and effective in removing plaque without harm.
To brush your teeth without hurting your gums, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use small circular movements. Have the bristles do the job; don’t put strain on them. With an electric toothbrush, all you need to do is move it along your teeth and gum line, and the brush will take care of the rest.
➨ Habit #2: Improper or Infrequent Flossing
Most individuals have confessed to the act of “panic flossing”, i.e. flossing the night before a dental checkup after months or years of not doing it. This is unfortunately not very helpful in inhibiting gum disease; on the contrary, both bleeding and soreness occur.
By not flossing, the plaque and food particles build up in between teeth and under the gumline, which your toothbrush cannot reach. This buildup becomes hard with time in the form of tartar, which irritates your gums, causing inflammation and bleeding.
Flossing will have to be done daily, despite your hectic schedule or work times. It requires only a minute or two and makes a big difference in the health of your gums. If the floss is awkward, use floss picks, water flossers, or interdental brushes. All it takes is consistency; it is important that flossing becomes a regular habit, just like brushing.
➨ Habit #3: Constant Snacking & Sipping Through the Day
Whenever you consume anything sweet or sour, the mouth bacteria release acids that destroy the enamel on your teeth and cause soreness in your gums. Your mouth does not get a respite or a cold drink on this acid assault when you snack or take sips all day, thus providing a perfect setting for plaque and tartar buildup and gum inflammation.
Energy drinks, sweetened coffee, and sports drinks are popular in Fort McMurray, where everyone has to work long shifts and tough work schedules. Sadly enough, these drinks are packed with sugar and acid, which makes them very unhealthy, especially for your mouth.
To protect your gums and teeth, try to limit snacking between meals. The only time you snack is when you should reach for tooth-friendly foods such as cheese, nuts, vegetables, or plain yogurt. In case you are fond of coffee or tea, make sure to drink it at a single sitting, instead of drinking in bits during the day and wash your mouth with water. One of the best things you can do for your oral health is to be hydrated with plain water.
➨ Habit #4: Mouth Breathing & Dry Mouth (Especially in Fort McMurray’s Climate)
Dry mouth gums bleeding is not an exception since it is common, especially in a dry climate like that of Fort McMurray. Saliva is essential in cleaning up food particles, neutralizing acids and maintaining healthy gums. Bacteria multiply well when your mouth is dry, and your gums are now more prone to inflammation and infection.
Dry mouth is worsened by mouth breathing, whether it is a result of congestion, sleep apnea, or habit. Or being in the indoor places where there is a lot of heat during the long, cold winters. There is also the side effect of dry mouth due to many medications.
To fight the dry climate oral health problems, keep taking plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a humidifier at home and particularly in the bedroom during the night. In case you are a habitual mouth breather, discuss with your doctor or your dentist the underlying cause (allergies, having a sinus, or sleep apnea). Saliva production can also be stimulated using sugar-free gum or lozenges.
➨ Habit #5: Smoking (Vaping) or Using Tobacco Products
Smoking and gum disease go hand in hand. Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and vaping, is a major cause of the risk of gum disease. Nicotine and chemicals block blood flow in the gums, and this reduces the ability of your immune system to get rid of infection and heal damaged tissue.
Intriguingly, smokers at times tend to exhibit less bleeding as compared to non-smokers in cases where the individual possesses serious gum disease. This is so because the decreased blood flow conceals the symptom of bleeding to provide a misleading feeling of safety. The disease is usually advanced by the time smokers realize it.
When you use tobacco, the best thing that you can do for your oral health, and your health in general is to quit. The Morrison Dental recognizes that it is not an easy thing to quit, and we will be there to help you with materials, motivation and plans on how to minimize harm as you strive to quit.
➨ Habit #6: Skipping Regular Dental Cleanings and Checkups
You can never get hardened tartar at home, no matter how good your brushing and flossing are. Tartar buildup can only be removed by a professional cleaning, and be able to clean the area below the gumline and where most gum disease starts.
Fort McMurray is home to many individuals who have busy work schedules and thus can easily avoid attending a dentist. Nevertheless, if you don’t attend your regular checkups, small issues can become big and costly. The bleeding gums Fort McMurray residents experience can be easily addressed with professional cleaning and better home care, provided it is detected early enough.
An average professional dental cleaning for bleeding gums at Morrison Dental includes a full exam, X-rays when necessary, scaling to remove plaque and tartar, polishing, and a follow-up with personalized instructions for your home care routine. Our team emphasizes soft treatment and patient education, helping you understand what is going on and how to sustain your performance. Early intervention will not only save your teeth, but your money, time and pain in the future.
Simple Daily Routine to Help Stop Bleeding Gums
It does not need to be complex in order to develop a regular oral care routine. This is a morning and night routine that is easy to follow:
Morning:
- Gently brush your teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.
- Wash with water or alcohol free mouthwash.
- Consume water during the day in order to remain hydrated.
Night:
- Floss between all your teeth to remove food and plaque.
- Brush gently for two minutes, paying attention to the gumline.
- Rinse with water or mouthwash.
Extra tips for shift workers: Always keep a travel toothbrush and floss in your work bag. In case you are not able to brush your teeth after eating, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum. You can even have a reminder on your phone so that you are always consistent, even in cases where your timetable is not predictable.
How We Treat Bleeding Gums at Morrison Dental in Fort McMurray
At Morrison Dental, we’ve been serving Fort McMurray for over 40 years, and treating bleeding gums Fort McMurray patients is something we do every day. Our approach is straightforward and patient-centred:
- Comprehensive Exam: We will look at your gums and determine whether there is any inflammation, as well as evaluate the amount of plaque or tartar deposited.
- X-rays (if needed): These assist us in looking under the gumline and detecting any bone loss or undetected problems.
- Professional Cleaning: Our registered dental hygienists will painlessly remove plaque and tartar, polish your teeth, and clean beneath the gumline.
- Personalized Home-Care Plan: We’ll work with you to develop a realistic routine that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re working shifts, managing a busy family, or dealing with other challenges.
We know that bleeding gums can be terrifying, but we would like to assure you that it is a very common problem and can usually be treated. With Dr. Joshua Tan and our team of trained hygienists, we will ensure gentle, compassionate care and help you maintain lasting oral health.
Conclusion
Bleeding gums are your mouth’s way of telling you something needs attention. Whether it’s adjusting your brushing technique, improving your flossing habits, addressing dry mouth, or finally scheduling that overdue dental cleaning, taking action now can prevent serious problems down the road.
Ready to stop bleeding gums for good? Book your appointment with Morrison Dental today or contact us and take the first step toward a healthier, happier smile.
