The History of Dentistry
4 Ways to Stop Your Gums Bleeding When You Brush
Regina Carlson
If you see blood in the sink after you brush your teeth, it is important that you do not ignore it. Even a small quantity of blood could be a sign of a serious oral health problem. If your gums bleed when you brush, here are several things that you can try to resolve the issue.
1. See Your Dentist
Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth can be a sign of gum disease, which is a serious condition that can eventually lead to tooth loss. Your dentist can diagnose gum disease and let you know what you should do to stop the condition from getting any worse. Depending on how advanced the condition is, you might need to take antibiotics, use a medicated mouth rinse or have surgery to reduce bacterial colonisation in your gums.
2. Brush More Gently
Some people's gums bleed when they brush simply because they are scrubbing too hard. If you have an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor, be sure to pay attention to the warnings that it gives you. If you use a manual brush, try holding it in your fingers rather than in your fist to reduce the force with which you are able to press it against your teeth.
Sometimes, an urge to press your toothbrush hard against your teeth can be a sign that the toothbrush bristles are getting worn out and not giving you the satisfying clean that you crave. If you cannot remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head, do yourself a favour and buy a new one today.
3. Floss Every Day
Brushing your teeth only cleans the surfaces that the toothbrush bristles can reach. Flossing is also essential to remove bacteria from the spaces between the teeth. If you do not get rid of this bacteria regularly, it can start to infect your gums, leading to them becoming inflamed and more likely to bleed when you brush.
4. Change Your Diet
Bleeding gums are a classic symptom of scurvy, which arises due to a lack of vitamin C in the diet. Although relatively rare in the developed world, scurvy can occur if you eat very few fresh foods. If you have been letting your diet slip lately, try to make more of an effort to consume vegetables and fruits more often to see if it helps your gums to feel more comfortable.
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!