Bleeding Gums

calleyw

I am not sure how long this has been going on. But every time I clean my teeth my gums bleed.

A couple of weeks ago they started bleeding on there own. That has not happened before. And not since.

Also some times when I eat an apple or slices of bread I can see some blood then.

I use a soft brush and try not press to hard. But the most confusing part is I see my Dentist he says if I keep my gums the way they are I will keep my teeth!!!! and if they bleed just to carry on brushing.

I clean them twice a day and use a mouthwash that is for gum problems. But when I think it is getting better the next day it seems worse again.

Yours

Calley

Scrapaholic

I've seen a few articles etc that say bleeding gums is a sign of gum disease . Odd that your dentist doesn't seem concerned . Last time I went to dentist my gums were sore . She examined right along my gumline top and bottom . She said teeth were being cleaned ok but gum line needed to be brushed better . She recommended an electric toothbrush . I got one , not expensive , and my gums aren't sore anymore so I hope it's worked . I'm not a dentist so can't really help . I think there are some who post on here so maybe they'll be able to say what they think . I'm sure that gums aren't supposed to bleed though !

suki1964

Afaik, bleeding is the first sign of gum disease

Often hidden by smokers

Yes if you clean and floss meticulously the bleeding will stop as the GD is arrested. However I would advise going back too gp

alwaysbrassic

don't be put off by the blood! bleeding gums can be the first sign of gum disease. Make sure you floss daily, or ideally use tepe brushes (small interdental brushes). Brush twice daily, making sure you brush gums gently.
Don't use a mouthwash after flossing, it will wash away the benefits of the toothpaste.
Also see your dentist. They can recommend a hygienist if this is needed.

Toothsmith

I think your dentist should be giving you a bit more support here.

I would make a specific appointment to let him see this new development. If he doesn't give you a bit better explanation, and either a better idea about what you can do yourself, or offer a bit more in the way of treatment or education about the problem, then I think it's time to look for another dentist who will.

jimmy98

This is very major problem in many houses.Special tooth pastes are available in market You simply select a best one for you.This bleeding is due to weak gum.You have to make them strong and remember that it will take time So dont hurry.Try to use a little quantity of salt in addition to your tooth paste That will give strength to your gums. Use mouth wash daily to avoid different mouth problems.

brook2jack

jimmy98 wrote: »

This is very major problem in many houses.Special tooth pastes are available in market You simply select a best one for you.This bleeding is due to weak gum.You have to make them strong and remember that it will take time So dont hurry.Try to use a little quantity of salt in addition to your tooth paste That will give strength to your gums. Use mouth wash daily to avoid different mouth problems.

Total rubbish. Speak to your dentist. Most people have bleeding gums because their cleaning is ineffective. Ask your dentist to check your brushing, flossing and possibly tepe use is correct.

Mouthwash, unless prescribed by a dentist, is clinically useless. It interacts with toothpaste , but also dries out the mouth . Even chlorhexadine containing mouthwashes should only be used for a short time as they stain and there is evidence that bacteria can become chlorhexidine resistant. There is also a growing problem of chlorhexidine allergy.

Salt is fine as a rinse after e.g. surgical procedures but don't add to toothpaste it only acts as an abrasive.

Try buying some disclosing tablets, they don't cost much and will show where plaque is building up and causing bleeding.

Toothsmith

brook2jack wrote: »

Even clothesline containing mouthwashes should only be used for a short time as they stain and there is evidence that bacteria can become clothesline resistant.

I think Brook is having an iPad autocorrect moment there!

For 'clothesline' read chlorhexidine!

(I would agree that jimmy98's post is total rubbish as well!)

brook2jack

I don't know , with the current weather clothesline resistance is a big problem. I hate autocorrect with a passion .

Nicki

Can I ask a follow up to brook2jack and toothsmith as I see they are reading this thread?

I noticed over Christmas that my gums were receding badly. Have been to my dentist who has agreed that they are and that this is sudden and dramatic but says there is no sign of any gum disease or build up, and he thinks I am probably clenching my teeth in my sleep (am a bit stressed at the moment to be fair) which is not a good idea as I have a pronounced overbite and has advised wearing my ortho retainer more frequently at night.

I saw dentist yesterday and the hygienist today (who was also happy with the health of the gums and my general cleaning technique) but after one night of wearing the retainer my gums are now really tender where they are receding! Any tips to toughen them up a bit?

Toothsmith

Impossible to say without seeing you - but has the retainer been checked properly for it's fit to make sure that this isn't irritating the gums & causing the problem?