By Dr. Jennifer Buchanan:
“You’re brushing your teeth, humming away, when you notice… pink in the sink.
A little bleeding might seem harmless — after all, you probably “just brushed too hard,” right?
Not so fast. If your gums are bleeding regularly, your toothbrush isn’t the bad guy. It’s your gums waving a red flag that something deeper may be going on.
At You First Dental in Airdrie, we see this every day — and the good news? Once you know why it’s happening, it’s usually fixable with the right care and a little teamwork between you and your dental hygienist…”
The Most Common Cause: Gingivitis (a.k.a. Early Gum Disease)
If your gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing, chances are you’re dealing with gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.
Plaque — that sticky film of bacteria on your teeth — loves to hang out near your gumline. When it’s not removed daily, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and triggers inflammation. The result? Gums that swell, get tender, and bleed even with gentle brushing.
The good news is that gingivitis is 100% reversible — with professional cleaning and improved home care, your gums can bounce back quickly.
At You First Dental, our hygienists are like friendly “gum coaches.” They’ll show you exactly how to clean around your teeth more effectively (without turning brushing into a full-contact sport).
When Gum Disease Goes Deeper
If bleeding gums are ignored for too long, gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease — a more serious infection that affects not just your gums but the bone that supports your teeth.
Here’s what can happen when gum disease goes untreated:
- Persistent bad breath (no amount of mints will help)
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Teeth that start feeling loose or shifting
- Ongoing bleeding or soreness
This stage requires more than just brushing and flossing — it needs professional gum therapy to remove infection below the gumline.
That’s why it’s so important to book a visit at the first sign of bleeding. You’ll save your gums, your teeth, and probably your wallet from future dental drama.
Other Reasons Gums Might Bleed
While gum disease is the most common cause, it’s not the only one. Other culprits include:
- New flossing habits: If you’ve just started flossing again (yay, you!), your gums might bleed a little at first. Keep going — it usually improves within a week.
- Medications: Blood thinners and some heart or blood pressure medications can increase gum bleeding.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can all make gums more sensitive.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Low vitamin C or K can affect gum health.
- Overzealous brushing: It can happen, but it’s rare — soft bristles and gentle circles win every time.
If you’re unsure why your gums are bleeding, the best move is to schedule a dental checkup in Airdrie. We’ll pinpoint the cause and get you back to a healthy, confident smile.
Prevention Is Easier (and Cheaper) Than Treatment
Healthy gums don’t bleed. Here’s how to keep them that way:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss once a day — yes, really
- Eat a balanced diet with vitamin-rich foods
- Avoid smoking or vaping (your gums will thank you)
- See your Airdrie dentist and hygienist every six months
Think of your hygiene visit as a “spa day” for your gums — minus the candles, but with way better long-term results.
Bleeding Gums? Let’s Fix That!
If your gums have been bleeding lately, don’t ignore it. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right down here!”
At You First Dental in Airdrie, we make gum care simple, gentle, and stress-free. Whether you need a professional cleaning, gum therapy, or just a friendly chat about brushing technique, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get those gums healthy, pink, and happy again.
