My gums bleed when I brush my teeth...?

Question

...and have for the last 20 years, almost every time I brush. I don't know why, they don't particular hurt. Maybe twuice a year the swell a little, but nothing serious. What's going on?

Answer 1

Mine do the same thing even though I brush everyday. I even use the special gingivitis toothpaste but it doesn't do anything. My dentist never really says anything helpful about it. The only thing I can think of is try getting a softer brush, since they sell them in different softnesses

Answer 2

Here are a few non-alarming causes: *Do you brush your teeth often enough? If you brush your teeth maybe once every two or three days then bleeding gums would be possible because they wouldn't be used to the rubbing from the tooth brush. *Do you brush your teeth too much? Brushing your teeth too often may possibly cause gums to wear down and become damaged, but I'm talking excessive, over 3 times a day. *How old is your toothbrush? Are the bristles okay? When was the last time you changed your toothbrush? Sometimes after a while, bristles on the toothbrush may spread out to the sides, or maybe there's that one annoying bristle that sticks out more than the others? I've been brushing my teeth before and has a bristle that was a tad askew poke my gum and cause it to bleed. *Are the bristles firm and stiff or really soft? Sometimes leftover toothpaste in the brush can make the bristles stiff and sometimes stiff bristles may be a bit harsh on gums. Try going for a more soft bristled brush if you feel comfortable with that and see if it helps. *Are you a woman and pregnant? This one seems highly unlikely since it's been happening on and off for a while, but sometimes pregnant women have problems with bleeding gums due to the hormone shift. More alarming reasons could be the result of a gum disease. If you are seriously concerned then please see a dentist, or if you are seeing a dentist for regular check-ups, mention it next time you go.

Answer 3

See a dentist and let them know your symptoms and that you suspect you have gingivitis (Inflammation of the gums). In the mean time, get a toothpaste and mouthwash designed to treat/protect against gingivitis and start flossing. Flossing may hurt a little at first until your gums get used to it. Also, I would recommend that you switch to a soft bristled toothbrush and try not to brush so hard. Hope this helps :)

Answer 4

Your probably not flossing. The bleeding is caused by bacteria living at the gum line. You need to floss at least once a day for a while and I'd recommend mouthwash as well. Brush 2x a day and in about 6 weeks you should see little to no blood.

Answer 5

You have gingivitis. I'm surprised if you've had it this long that your dentist hasn't mentioned it to you. You do see a dentist regularly, don't you? I recommend you mention it at your next appt if they don't, and that you make an appt. if you haven't seen one lately!

In the meantime, switch to the softest toothbrush you can find. They usually say soft, med, or hard on the pkg at the store. Also, you can try applying tea tree oil to your gums with a cotton swab. This is supposed to help with bleeding gums and swollen gums. I had this briefly and tried it and it worked for me; within a week after starting this treatment no more "pink in the sink".

Better not ignore this symptom. Severe gingivitis can lead to tooth loss and other oral problems. My MIL is going to have to have some oral surgery done for a moderately severe case of this. They are trying to save her existing bone and gums; otherwise she will eventually lose all her teeth.

Answer 6

You have a gum infection called gingivitis. It can be treated bv a dentist. It is not caused or cured by how hard your brush is.It can't be ignored. It does not go away on its own - it just gets worse like other infections do.

Eventually you will lose bone mass around your teeth where the gums have rotted away.and then you will lose your teeth. Go to a dentist and get them looked at.

Answer 7

You should brush more often, use a soft brush.

You should slosh mouth wash in your mouth for 60 seconds after you brush.

You should floss every day.

You should get your teeth cleaned at the dentist at least once a year, twice is better.

If you do all this, you may keep your teeth. You have gum disease, and you'll lose your teeth if you don't take action.

Answer 8

Start dental flossing everyday and brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a day. Probably a good idea to go to the dentist. The dental flossing with toughen your gums so that they dont bleed.....you want to be buried with your natural teeth when you get old? Then start dental flossing and brushing and Go to the Dentist.

Answer 9

I too had this problem.
The best answer i can give you to stop this bleeding is to increase your calcium intake. Your gums need a boost!
I always had the soft gums; and of course they never tell you what to take to prevent gingivitis or periodontal disease.
Just to keep brushing and flossing. Once i started the calcium I no longer have that soft gum problem.
In fact, they are a nice light pink that no longer bleeds.
I hope this helps you out.
Take Care

Answer 10

Sounds like you have gum disease. I am surprised your dentist hasn't addressed this if you have had this for 20 years. You need to call your dentist and get seen ASAP as this is serious. Also consider changing dentists as your dentist doesn't sound like he is very concerned about your health if he has done nothing for this all these years. You see a dentist every 6 months for 20 years and he has NEVER addressed this???? Something is wrong go see a dentist ASAP.