When you notice traces of blood in your saliva after brushing or flossing, it can be a disconcerting experience. But there could be a perfectly harmless reason for gum bleeding. It’s important to do your research, however, and make sure a more serious medical or dental concern is not behind your bleeding issue. Within this blog, we’ll outline five possible causes of gum bleeding.
1. Poor Hygiene
Have you been skipping occasionally skipping brushing and flossing a minimum of twice daily? This could be the reason that your gums are inflamed and bleeding. Poor oral hygiene habits can cause the build-up of plaque and tartar on the gums. This, in turn, can cause the gums to bleed at even the slightest contact from the brush. If not addressed it could lead to more serious oral health issues!
2. Vitamin C Deficiency.
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Vitamin C deficiency occurs when you don’t have enough fruit and vegetables in your diet. It’s a problem that can lead to swollen gums that bleed more easily. By simply going to your doctor and explaining your symptoms you can be tested for vitamin deficiency.
3. Hormonal Changes
For women going through puberty or pregnancy, bleeding gums is a common occurrence. This is due to the hormonal changes taking place in your body, which can often be mitigated by a dental professional.
4. A Medication Side-Effect
Many of the leading medications for epilepsy and cancer are known to cause gum bleeding. This is a problem that many patients experience while battling their condition and can often be reduced through concerted steps taken by both the doctor and the dentist. Certain over-the-counter medications such as aspirin can also cause some gum bleeding, but this is quite rare among the general population.
5. A Smoking Side-Effect
For smokers, gum bleeding can be a side-effect of their habit. That’s because tobacco smoke contain numerous chemicals that can affect our body’s ability to fight against bacterial plaque. This means that, by giving up smoking, you can not only improve your general health but also your oral health for the long-term.
Gum bleeding issues can be treated if you know the cause. Speak with our team, and don’t wait until it’s too late to report gum bleeding… get to the root of the problem!
Helpful Resources
For more information, visit the CDA Oral Health Resources.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Contact Pickering Square Dental to book your appointment with Dr. Marvin Lean. Call us at (905) 420-1777 or visit us at 1450 Kingston Rd, Unit #4, Pickering, ON.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I visit the dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Some patients may need more frequent visits depending on their oral health needs. Call Pickering Square Dental at (905) 420-1777 to schedule your next appointment.
Do you accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP)?
Yes, Pickering Square Dental participates in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Our team can help you understand your coverage and ensure you receive the dental care you need. Contact us for more details about CDCP eligibility and benefits.
What services does Pickering Square Dental offer?
We offer a full range of dental services including family dentistry, emergency dental care, sedation dentistry, dental implants, laser dentistry, teeth whitening, root canal therapy, dental extractions, periodontal care, and cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Lean and our team serve patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, and Scarborough.
About Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS
Dr. Marvin Lean, DDS, is the owner and lead dentist at Pickering Square Dental. With decades of experience in family and laser dentistry, Dr. Lean is also the official dentist of the Toronto Maple Leafs. He is a member of the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) and the Canadian Dental Association (CDA). Dr. Lean and his team provide comprehensive dental care including sedation dentistry, dental implants, emergency dental care, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) to patients in Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Scarborough, Oshawa, and Markham.
