Ally Kassam

Bloody painful gums, what should I do?

While it might feel like the opposite of what you should do, continue to floss every day. It is not uncommon for gums to bleed when you first begin flossing between teeth, and as long as the bleeding stops quickly, it's not usually considered a problem. As the gums continue to get healthier, it is expected that the bleeding should lessen over time. There are other factors so continue reading below. Several things can cause gums to bleed, including plaque buildup along the gum line and between teeth. Plaque is a layer of sticky bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. If you don't get rid of plaque by flossing daily, it leads hardened plaque deposits (called calculus or tartar) and this leads to gum inflammation called gingivitis. Note that is hard to remove calculus without a dentist's or dental hygienists help through a professional cleaning. So, your first line of defense against bleeding gums should always be a visit with your dentist, who would be able to alert you if there's an underlying condition for your bleeding gums. A dental examination with x-rays can help to determine if there is any tartar buildup and resulting bone loss/ periodontal disease and any next steps for treatment. Other causes of bleeding gums include vitamin deficiencies, smoking, hormonal changes, etc. so it is difficult to completely determine the exact cause without a professional examination. In the meantime, eat a well balanced diet to develop and maintain strong, decay-resistant teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice each day and continue to floss. Salt water or antibacterial rinses may also help you in the interim and provide some relief for your painful gums. If you're not sure you're brushing or flossing correctly, you can ask your dental hygienist for some tips, and if you smoke, consider options to help you quit. READ MORE