Bleeding gums are one of the first signs of gum disease. It occurs most often when you aren’t removing the plaque on your teeth often enough, by not brushing and flossing regularly. If you are brushing and flossing daily and you still notice that your gums are bleeding, it may be a sign that there is bacterial build up below the gum line that you cannot remove on your own and that you are due for a dental cleaning.

Other reasons why gums may bleed while brushing are:

• Your tooth-brushing technique may be too aggressive. Applying too much pressure, brushing at an incorrect angle, or using a medium or hard bristled toothbrush can cause the gums to bleed.
• Gum trauma caused by hard/crunchy foods, or incorrect brushing and flossing technique may be another reason you notice bleeding while cleaning your teeth.

If bleeding upon brushing is a regular occurrence for you, please be sure to contact our office for a dental appointment. Coquitlam’s Altitude Dental has professional, friendly and caring staff to help you have the dental health you need and want. Or read more about other dental services available at Altitude Dental.