One thing is clear: you need a dentist, even if you have healthy teeth and no history of gum or dental disease. However, you don't always need to go to the dentist immediately, even if you have some minor gum bleeding. If you have concerns about your dental health, see your dentist right away. Use this guide to help you understand if your bleeding gums are a reason to go to the dentist.

You brush your teeth too hard

Do you brush your teeth hard? Do you brush your gums with a medium or hard bristle toothbrush, in a rapid back and forth motion? It's best to brush your teeth in an up and down or even circular motion to give your teeth the best cleaning and to also cleanse your gums without damaging them.

Check your gums after every tooth brushing. If your gums feel rough, tender, or like they have a rash on them in addition to being bloody after brushing your teeth, then it's likely too hard brushing that is making your gums sore. If, however, your gums are bleeding and you have tooth tenderness or pain and your breath smells, then it's not just your tooth brushing causing you problems, and you should see a dentist right away.

You use teeth whitening strips or agents

If you use any type of teeth whitening agent — even at-home agents like lemon juice and baking soda — you're introducing your teeth to potentially abrasive and irritating substances. Your teeth and gums might both be sensitive after using products like these, so speak to your dentist if you have gum pain in addition to gum swelling, bleeding, discoloration, and even sores. Your teeth whitening agents might be causing these damages and might also be causing tooth enamel issues as well.

Your dentist will recommend better dental agents you can use to give your teeth the whiter appearance you desire without also harming your gums. Your gums are tender and can become scarred and otherwise damaged if you let them get in contact with peroxides and other cleaning agents, so discontinue use of these products until you've gone to the dentist to see what might be causing your gums to bleed.

Bleeding gums are often a sign of deeper dental issues like gum disease, so see your dentist if you have a history of gingivitis. Your gums should be as healthy as the rest of your mouth to give you the best results in a healthy smile.

For more information, contact a dentist like Signature Smiles Greenville.

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