My gums bleed when I brush my teeth. Is this normal?
The simple answer is no, it’s not normal but very common. You may think you are brushing too hard but this is unlikely to be the reason!
It is often thought that if you stop cleaning in that area, the bleeding will stop. In fact the opposite is true! You must continue to brush your teeth and gums, especially the area that is bleeding!
When plaque (the white sticky film that builds up on our teeth) is allowed to hang around our mouth, the gums become inflamed. Inflamed gums are red and swollen and bleed very easily, almost certainly when you brush your teeth. However, brushing the area properly (even though it causes bleeding in the short term) removes the plaque, reducing the inflammation, this in turn should stop the bleeding.
If that doesn’t work, or if you haven’t seen your dentist for more than 6 months, it’s definitely worth a visit. You may need to see a hygienist for a thorough cleaning. If the plaque is left on the teeth it can cause bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease. After 2-3 days it can solidify into Calculus which is a very hard substance and a toothbrush alone will not be able to remove it!
Remember healthy gums are the foundation for healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.