Bleeding gums are more common than you might think – simple mistakes such as brushing too hard or not brushing and flossing regularly enough can cause them. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean bleeding gums can be ignored, and action should always be taken to prevent symptoms from getting worse. Book regular appointments with your dentist at Harwood Dental Care in Bolton, and follow these top tips, and you can avoid bleeding gums altogether.

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste

We all know that brushing our teeth twice a day is essential for good oral health, but many of us neglect this simple rule, placing it far too low down on our list of priorities. Neglecting this routine can leave you susceptible to a number of ailments. On the other hand, brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste helps to keep the surface of your teeth strong and protects against oral conditions like gum disease – one of the symptoms of which is bleeding gums. If you’re unsure about which toothpaste to use, just ask your dentist, who will be happy to recommend the best toothpaste for you.

Floss is your friend

Many people are put off when they begin to floss and find that it causes their gums to bleed – but this is merely a sign that it’s working! Failing to floss for a prolonged amount of time can cause bacteria to stick your teeth, leading to a build up of plaque. Floss works to remove food and bacteria from the crevices of your teeth that is left behind after brushing. While you may observe some minor bleeding when you first begin to floss, persevere, as your gums will soon adjust and the bleeding will stop. If you wish, you may also try inter-dental brushes as an alternative – your dentist can advise you as to which is better suited to your smile.

Use a fluoride mouthwash

Incorporating a fluoride mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine can help to heal and sooth your gums, prevent plaque from building up around, and in between, the teeth, and kill any surrounding bacteria in the mouth. Opting for a mouthwash that contains fluoride can give your teeth additional protection.

Visit the dentist

There comes a point when it’s time to seek professional help. If your bleeding gums are causing you pain and discomfort, don’t ignore them – make an appointment with your dentist so they can check your mouth, see what needs to be improved, and help you find relief. This may be an in-house clean or simply some tips on what to do to make the bleeding go away. Don’t ignore the red flags – the bleeding will only worsen!

If you start to notice that your gums have become sensitive and started to bleed when you brush, it’s better to be safe than sorry – book for a check-up at our practice in Harwood. If you have any concerns over your oral health, please don’t hesitate to contact your dentist here at Harwood Dental in Bolton.