Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush and Floss?

When you rinse your mouth after brushing or flossing, do you see signs of blood? Pink or red streaks or spots in your sink should be cause for concern. At Periodontist of Weston, we’re here to deliver compassionate care for all of your gum health needs. But we’re thrilled when you don’t need us at all because your gums are as healthy as possible. 

So today, let’s talk about bleeding gums and how residents of Weston, Miramar, Cooper City, or Pembroke Pines, Florida, can eliminate bleeding and reduce the risk of gum disease.  

How do I know if my gums are bleeding?

There are a number of ways to detect bleeding gums, but all require your attention. It’s easy to zone out as you brush and floss your teeth. After all, for most of us, it’s a final step at the end of a long day. During your morning dental hygiene routine, your thoughts are probably turned toward all that has to be done during the day. 

But paying close attention to your brushing and flossing is a great way to assess your gum health. Bleeding gums are one of the earliest signs of periodontal (gum) disease, and learning that your gums are bleeding allows you to take action before the condition worsens. 

So be sure you’re looking closely at what comes out of your mouth after brushing and flossing. You might be able to easily see signs of blood when you spit out your toothpaste, or when you rinse your mouth afterward. 

Sometimes, you might see blood on your toothbrush, so give it a quick glance before rinsing it after brushing and flossing. It’s also possible to taste blood in your mouth after oral hygiene efforts, but the taste of toothpaste and mouthwash can sometimes mask the taste of small amounts of blood. 

What might be causing my bleeding gums?

Several things could be to blame for blood in your sink. Smoking is a common culprit, as it damages your oral tissues and can lead to inflammation that makes your gums extra sensitive. 

Not getting enough of certain vitamins can also cause bleeding gums. Vitamin C and K deficiencies could be to blame. Certain medical conditions, like hemophilia, pernicious anemia, and diabetes, can also cause your gums to bleed. 

Hormone fluctuations could be what’s leading to bleeding gums. These ups and downs are common during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. 

But the most common cause of bleeding gums is gum disease. That’s because a buildup of plaque and bacteria at the gumline can cause inflammation that weakens gum tissue and causes it to pull away from the surface of your teeth. That creates pockets where bacteria can settle in and thrive, making matters even worse. 

What can I do to treat bleeding gums?

Because poor dental hygiene and gum disease are common causes of bleeding gums, your first step should be to book a visit with us at Periodontist of Weston. Dr. Segal can check your teeth and gums to determine if you have gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, or periodontitis, the more advanced stage. 

If so, he’ll advise you on your treatment options and help you choose the best approach. He and his team can also give you a refresher course on optimal brushing and flossing techniques to keep your gums healthy. 

If there are no signs of gum disease, you should see your primary care provider to determine if a medical condition might be causing your symptoms. 

When you’re ready to come in for a gum health check, reach out to our Periodontist of Weston office to find a time that fits your busy schedule. We offer online and phone-based booking to make it easy to schedule a visit.