LAKE FOREST AND LAKE BLUFF IL
If you can see blood, chances are something is wrong with your health in some way. Many people experience bleeding when they brush their teeth and don’t think much of it, but that’s not something that you should overlook. Bleeding from brushing could denote a serious oral health problem. At Lake Forest Smiles, we are committed to assisting our patients in assessing and fixing any oral issues they may be experiencing. Lake Forest Smiles explores some possible causes for your gums to bleed when you’re brushing, and how we can help.
Switching to a new toothbrush
If you recently got a new toothbrush and you’re experiencing bleeding gums, your toothbrush may not be soft enough. The American Dental Association recommends soft-bristled toothbrushes, as hard bristles could strip enamel from your teeth or cause damage to gums.
Overbrushing
If you’re brushing your teeth too hard or with too much force, it can make your gums bleed. If you’re not sure if this is the culprit, looking at your toothbrush may help you determine the answer. If the bristles are splayed, loose or fanned out, you may be brushing too roughly. This can not only cause damage to your gums, but it can scour away your enamel as well. Using gentle pressure and a circular motion is the best method when it comes to brushing your teeth.
Not flossing enough
Flossing regularly is an important part of your oral hygiene regimen. maintaining your oral hygiene. It removes food and bacteria that may not be reached with just brushing. But, what if flossing is something that slips your mind? Or don’t floss at all, as applies to one-third of American adults according to one study. If you only remember to floss every once in a while, you may experience bleeding gums when you do. Yet another reason why it is recommended that you floss at least once per day.
Gum disease
Bleeding gums could be a symptom of gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease. A serious condition, gum disease is a bacterial infection in your gums that most often stems from the accumulation of plaque and tartar in the mouth. Gum disease usually is caused by poor oral hygiene. There’s an epidemic of gum disease in America; approximately half of the U.S. population over 30 suffers from gum disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control. If you can get your gum disease treated while it is still in the stage of gingivitis, you avoid any permanent damage to your teeth and mouth. Otherwise, gum disease progresses into periodontitis, and you are at risk of tooth loss, jawbone deterioration and other serious health conditions.
Treating gum disease in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff and Lincolnshire, Illinois
Don’t let gum disease compromise your oral health or overall wellness. Lake Forest Smiles offers a comprehensive program of periodontal treatment that includes repetitive therapy, laser therapy, Arestin and Perio Protect. If you’re seeing some blood in the sink when you brush, you should be evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible. Visit us online or call us at (847) 234-4800 to book an appointment today.
