4 Reasons Why Your Gums are Bleeding & How to Stop it

You would brush your teeth one day, feeling great since you're rehearsing legitimate oral cleanliness what not. However, when you release the toothpaste, you see a blood in your sink. You take a gander at the mirror, and discover your gums dying. This is an exceptionally regular situation amongst individuals, and it's not a one you ought to overlook.


According to Dr. Peter Doig, a Dauphin, Manitoba-based dentist, and president of the Canadian Dental Association, occasional oral bleeding can occur if foods scratch your gums – no big deal. But if blood regularly shows up on your toothbrush or dental floss, a more serious situation may be to blame.

Here are four reasons your why your gum is bleeding, and how you can put a stop to it.

1. You have gingivitis

Gingivitis is a condition that results in an inflamed gum, which occurs when plaque and its cavity cause bacteria to built up on your teeth. Gingivitis is barely noticeable, unless you notice bloodstains come out while brushing your teeth. “Gingivitis is an ignored disease because it’s not painful. It’s out of sight, out of mind,” says Doig. But don’t leave it unattended because it could lead to periodontal disease – an oral condition that destructs gum tissue and could lead to tooth loss.

Luckily, gingivitis is totally curable. “Gingivitis is virtually 100 percent preventable,” says Doig. Appropriate oral hygiene – brushing and flossing – remove plaque from the teeth. In addition to regular visits to your dentist can keep bleeding gums and gingivitis away.

2. You smoke

If you smoke, then it’s more likely for your gums to bleed – another reason why smoking is bad, surprise surprise! “Smoking tends to cause an increase in periodontal disease for a variety of reasons,” says Doig. Inhaling smoke results in toxins on the teeth that can be difficult to remove through oral hygiene. So turning your mouth into a chimney can cause the gums to become aggravated and bleed. Quit smoking and your gums will thank you.

3. You eat too much junk food

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is an important defense,” says Doig. A bleeding gum is just part of the domino effect caused by consuming a nutritionally poor diet. Stuff yourself with fresh vegetables and fruits as well as grains, dairy and protein, and you could be doing your gum a big favor. If you run across any “miracle foods” that are promoted to keep gums healthy and prevent oral disease, simply walk away. “The only miracle is the toothbrush,” says Doig. “A combination of good oral hygiene and overall health is the best prevention.”

4. You’re on certain medications

Some prescription drugs can be the cause of your bleeding gum. “Anticonvulsants such as Dilantin can cause abnormal gum swelling,” says Doig. Blood pressure medications, and immuno-suppressants are most likely to cause gum inflammation and bleeding. Also, other drugs can leave you with a dry mouth – another trigger for gum problems. “There are probably over 400 medications that can affect the amount of salivary flow in the mouth including antihistamines, sedatives, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotics,” says Doig.