Brushing your teeth is important, but did you know that brushing too much or too often can cause gum problems, and this can result in pain or even bleeding?
Brushing your teeth twice a day is recommended for good oral hygiene. However, some people brush their teeth too much, causing them to bleed and swell.
We took a closer look at why brushing your teeth may be causing you pain, and the steps you can take to help avoid this.
Why Is It Important To Brush Your Teeth?
Brushing your teeth is one of the things that has likely been drummed into you since you were a child – but have you ever wondered why it is so important?
Here are just a few reasons why it’s worth doing:
Prevention Of Cavities
Brushing your teeth helps prevent cavities, and the best way to keep your teeth healthy is by flossing regularly and brushing your teeth twice daily with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Removal Of Plaque
Regular brushing also helps to remove plaque from your teeth, which prevents bacteria from building up on your teeth and causing cavities.
Removal Of Food Particles
Brushing also helps remove food particles stuck between your teeth, preventing tooth decay which can cause longer-term issues and problems.
Reduce Bad Breath
Bacteria found in your mouth can travel through your system and get lodged somewhere else in your body, causing bad breath.
By cleaning your mouth, you’re removing these harmful bacteria and keeping your breath fresh.
Improve Oral Health
Good oral health is essential for overall well-being, as poor dental hygiene can lead to serious infections such as periodontal disease (gum disease), which can damage bones and teeth.
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth?
If you want to maintain good oral hygiene, you should brush your teeth two times per day.
The first time should be after breakfast, and the second time should be before going to bed.
If you find that you need to brush more frequently than this, then try using a soft-bristled toothbrush instead of a hard toothbrush.
A soft bristle brush will not hurt your gums as much as a hard brush would.
What Can Be Causing Bleeding From My Gums?
Bleeding gums can happen when there is something wrong with your gums, like recessed gums, sensitive gums, or inflamed gums, and you are likely to notice these while brushing.
These conditions can make it difficult to clean out your mouth properly, leading to inflammation and infection.
Bleeding gums can also occur if you have had a recent injury to your mouths, such as a cut or broken tooth.
If you notice any blood coming from your gums, contact us immediately for advice.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (Gingivitis) is an infection that affects the tissues around your teeth and gums, and can eventually lead to tooth loss.
It occurs when bacteria build up under the gum line and become trapped between the teeth and gums.
As the bacteria continue to grow, it causes inflammation and swelling, which leads to bleeding.
Gum disease has a number of causes, including:
Poor Diet
One of the major causes of gum disease is a poor diet – this includes eating too many sweets, drinking sugary drinks, and skipping meals.
Smoking
Another cause of gum disease is smoking. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that irritate the gums, and can even increase the amount of plaque build-up.
Inadequate Flossing
Not flossing regularly can also contribute to gum disease. If you don’t floss enough, you’ll miss areas where plaque builds up, and this can lead to gum disease.
Infection
Some people get gum disease because their immune system isn’t working correctly.
This means that germs in the mouth can multiply rapidly, causing inflammation and infection.
How Can I Avoid Gum Problems?
To avoid having any kind of problem with your gums, follow these tips:
Use A Soft Toothbrush
A soft toothbrush is gentler on your gums than a hard one, and they won’t leave marks behind.
Start With Clean Teeth
Start off by making sure your teeth are clean. Use a mouthwash and brush your teeth thoroughly once every morning and night.
Floss Regularly
Flossing is another great way to help ensure that your gums stay healthy.
Make sure you use a floss threader to do this, as regular flossing will reduce the risk of gum disease.
Get Regular Check-Ups
It’s always a good idea to visit your dentist at least once a year for a check-up.
This will allow them to spot any potential problems early on, and give you all the information you need to take care of your teeth and gums.
There are some things you can do to prevent gum disease. You should start by visiting your dentist regularly for a thorough cleaning.
Your dentist may recommend other treatments to keep your gums healthy, depending on what’s going on with your teeth and gums at the time.
Final Thoughts
If you have concerns about the health of your gums and are experiencing bleeding when you brush your teeth, then it is important to talk to your dentist about getting a dental exam.
They can tell you whether you need treatment right away, and what steps you should be taking to protect your gums, helping to ensure that you and your mouth stay healthy and happy for years to come.
He has combined both of these skills to create his first company, Isopharm Limited, which became one of the top learning platforms within the dental industry.
With over 120,000 active users, he has been able to educate others in order to provide better dental care around the world.
With his expertise and work in the field, Andrew has been able to help many dental care professionals succeed in treating their patients.
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