Molesey dentist explains reasons behind bleeding gums

Spitting out toothpaste and noticing blood in the sink can be a worrying experience. As can noticing the taste of blood in the mouth but it can be due to a number of reasons. In most cases this is easily treated and will eventually make your teeth and gums stronger and healthier.

The main cause of bleeding gums is gum disease. In its milder form this is known as gingivitis, but when it becomes more serious it is called periodontitis. It occurs when the gums are covered and attacked by plaque and bacteria. These release acids, which gradually erode the gum tissue and cause irritation and infection. This can often cause the gums to bleed as a result of being weakened by an infection. This kind of bleeding gum acts as an indicator that you need to start paying more attention to your dental hygiene.

The gums can also bleed if you have recently started to floss or pay more attention to your dental hygiene. Flossing for the first time will stimulate areas of the gums around the base of the teeth that may not have been cleaned for a long time. They will be very sensitive and may bleed as a result of coming into contact with the dental floss. This will usually stop after a few days of flossing as the gums become cleaner and firmer.

However, there is a more serious side to bleeding gums. In some extreme cases, bleeding gums may be the result of oral cancer. If the bleeding is otherwise unexplained this could be a sign that something is seriously wrong. If you are unsure why your gums are bleeding i.e you haven’t recently started to floss for the first time, then it is always important that you visit a Molesey dentist for a check up. The chances are it will be nothing serious but it is always better to be safe than sorry