Ack! My Gums Bleed When I Brush!

In a nut shell bleeding gums are caused by poor plaque removal.  Plaque has germs in it that attack healthy tissue around the teeth.  This causes the gums to become swollen and irritated and thus bleeding is seen when brushing and flossing.  This is the first stage of gum disease.  If you notice any type of bleeding - light or heavy - you have gingivitis. 

If there is a positive thing about gingivitis it is this:  it can be reversed.  Like all germs there is power in numbers.  So if plaque germs sit on your teeth, they reproduce and multiply.  Brushing and flossing disrupts plaque germs from doing just that.  If they can’t reproduce there aren’t enough of them around to break down gum tissue.  Getting rid of plaque germs will reverse bleeding and gingivitis.

Plaque germs can form quickly and they love carbohydrates.  A diet heavy in carbs, is the perfect environment for plaque germs to thrive.  So depending, plaque germs can form anywhere between 5 minutes and 4 hours after brushing.  Which is why brushing at least twice a day is necessary to keep the plaque germs at bay.

Brushing will rid plaque germs from fronts and the backs of your teeth, however brushing will do nothing to the germs between your teeth.  Since gingivitis typically starts between your teeth and spreads from there, it makes it that much more important to floss.   So get those plaque germs out of your mouth everyday!  You’ll notice healthy gums that don’t bleed, better breath and a healthier smile!