My gums bleed when I brush my teeth?

Question

I know, I know, "gingivitis causes gum inflammation", however I went to the dentist about 3 weeks ago (and got my braces off like, 4 weeks ago) and she said I had really healthy gums for someone that just got their braces off. So, I'm guessing it's NOT gingivitis...

When they bleed, I notice they do have little cuts in some spots. It mostly likely is because I'm brushing too hard. But I can't not brush hard or else I don't feel my teeth are cleaned properly...and it's not overly hard, it just feels like my gums are overly sensitive. Any way I can stop this?

Answer 1

Buy a brush with soft bristles. They usually come in hard, medium and soft. If you already have a brush with soft bristles, you will need to learn not to brush hard.

This IS important because if you are pressing really hard, you will be stripping away the enamel.

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

Try the Sonicare toothbrush, my Periodontist recommended it as I also tend to brush too hard, the toothbrush simply stalls out if you press too hard. Makes my teeth feel like just polished every time. If the bleeding gums dont get better, go and see a Periodontist, this is their specialty, they can give you the proper diagnosis and recommend a course of action.

Answer 4

Your brushing to hard on the gums I had the same problem my moms a dentist she said to brush the teeth the gums gentle.

Answer 5

go get a soft bristled tooth brush at the store if your gums are a little red maybe you do have gingivitis

Answer 6

You need to see a dentist right away. I had the same problem a few years ago. A good cleaning took care of this. When was the last time you were to the dentist? BB

Answer 7

Sometimes when you brush too hard the bristles make little punctures between your teeth and your gums. It`s normal for them to bleed sometimes, so don`t worry about it. It usually happens to me in dry weather.

Answer 8

well u might be brushin too hard but whats the color of ur gum
if there red than ur gums r infected go see a dentist
but if there pibk than its just the brushing :D

Answer 9

My dear,
sometimes when we eat food residues stay in our gums, or in between opur theet.... then our gums get infected by this food residues, however when you brsh it if too hard they wikll bleed anyways..
but most of the time is because they are a little infested, nothing big if you keep it clean...I sugesst u to use some "floss"
God bless you my dear.

Answer 10

you could try using a GUM toothbrush-they are super-soft! you can get them at walmart. and try to avoid the edge of your gums when you brush. or you could ask a dentist for advice.