We most likely have had to deal with our gums bleeding from simple tasks such as brushing and flossing. And most of us probably just dismissed this as not a big deal as most of the time your gums will stop bleeding fairly quickly and will not hurt. However, it is more than likely that it is something more serious than just brushing or flossing too aggressive. Especially if your gums are constantly bleeding from brushing and flossing. Usually, this means that you are suffering from gingivitis, which is the first stage of gum disease.
Don’t panic just yet as gingivitis sounds more intimidating than it is, and it is very common as just about everyone has to deal with gingivitis at some point in their life. Gingivitis and its effects are completely reversible. In many cases, gingivitis is completely preventable. You want to take these following steps to make sure that gingivitis does not progress into the most severe form of gum disease called periodontitis; this form of gum disease can lead to gum recession and tooth loss.
Exercise Good Oral Hygiene To Prevent and Eliminate Gingivitis
- Brush Thoroughly
- Ensure that you brush at least twice per day for a least two minutes each time. This is vital in helping prevent Gingivitis. We recommend brushing in the morning when you wake up and right before you go to bed at night.
- Floss Regularly
- Flossing goes hand in hand with brushing, and you should make sure to floss after each time that you brush. If you can, try to carry a travel pack of floss with you to floss after meals as it will help make sure no food gets stuck in between your teeth.
- Clean Your Tongue
- Do not forget about your tongue. Bacteria can find places on your tongue to hide out and grow increasing your chances of developing gum disease. A tongue scraper is an excellent and inexpensive tool that is effective in helping prevent gum disease and also bad breath!
- Mouthwash
- Mouthwash is a great tool that will help eliminate bad breath and also help prevent the development of gingivitis. Mouthwash can help rinse away anything that you may have missed while brushing or flossing.
Schedule A Consultation
If you or a loved one are experiencing bleeding gums on a frequent base, contact Dr. Harrison immediately. We offer a complete range of periodontal therapy services for patients with various forms of gum disease. To schedule an appointment, contact us or request an appointment online.