Reasons you notice traces of blood when you brush your teeth and how to prevent it

When brushing your teeth, you may occasionally observe traces of blood. According to Erica Roth of Healthline, this is the most prevalent symptom of gum disease, but it can also be a sign of other health issues, particularly when it happens frequently. This is what we call bleeding gums. Periodontitis, leukemia, vitamin insufficiency, and a lack of clotting cells are only few of the dangerous disorders that can cause gum bleeding.

Most people attribute gum bleeding to dental problems, and this is the common belief. So, what are some of the most common causes of bleeding gums and a slight bloody taste after brushing your teeth? Several common dental problems are discussed in this article.

1. Gingivitis

The presence of plaque along gum lines leads to inflammation of the gums. Plaque is dirt and germs that sticks to your teeth, and brushing your teeth is thought to be the best way to get rid of it. But if you don’t clean your teeth twice a day, plaque can build up along your gum line and harden into tartar, leading to more bleeding when you brush. If plaque has built up on your teeth and gums, you may also be suffering from gingivitis.

2. Periodontitis

When gingivitis progresses, it can lead to periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease, which affects the gums, jawbone, and supporting tissues that link the teeth and gums and cause sensitivity and bleeding. In extreme circumstances, periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, as explained by Healthline.

3. Vitamin deficiencies

Low vitamin C and vitamin K levels in the body can also cause bleeding gums. Increasing your consumption of vitamin-rich meals can help you avoid developing a deficiency in these nutrients. Vitamin C-rich foods include citrus fruits and juices, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers. Greens like kale, watercress, spinach, lettuce, soybeans, olive oil, etc. are all excellent sources of vitamin K.

Origins outside of the mouth

4. being pregnant

During pregnancy, you could see some blood on your toothbrush. Healthline reports that this is because of the hormonal shifts that occur during pregnancy, which might increase gum sensitivity.

Disorders that cause excessive bleeding

Gum bleeds are common in people with bleeding diseases including haemophilia and leukemia. Medications that thin the blood, such as warfarin, aspirin, and heparin, are thought to exacerbate the severity of bleeding.

6. Other factors

Too much forceful brushing, injury, inflammation, and the use of dentures are also potential causes of gum bleeding, as evidenced by the presence of blood traces on the toothbrush after brushing.

Why your gums keep bleeding and what you can do about it

The likelihood of gum bleeding can be reduced by adhering to certain practices. Here are a few examples of advice like this, as provided by Healthline:

1 Maintain a high standard of dental hygiene.

If you notice any blood when brushing your teeth, it may be an indication that your dental hygiene needs some work. Plaque accumulation at the gum line has been linked to gum inflammation and bleeding, and insufficient brushing and flossing can promote the growth of germs that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. You should clean your teeth at least twice a day and use dental floss once a day.

2. Use hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash.

Hydrogen peroxide is widely regarded as an efficient treatment for preventing gum disease and bleeding gums due to its ability to disinfect teeth and eliminate plaque. If you see any blood when brushing your teeth, it’s best to rinse with hydrogen peroxide afterward (but not consume it) to kill any bacteria. Furthermore, the bleeding and swelling caused by gingivitis can be reduced by using hydrogen peroxide.

3. Don’t light up

The risks of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke are bad enough, but smoking can also cause your gums to bleed easily. Healthline reports that this can reduce your body’s immune system, making it less able to fight off the bacteria that cause plaque and, in turn, gum disease. Smoking cessation is associated with improved gum health, including reduced bleeding and faster healing.

4. Take in more vitamin C.

Vitamin C-rich foods are highly advised for healthy gums and the prevention of gum infections, both of which can lead to bleeding gums if they aren’t consumed regularly. However, if you already have gum disease, a deficiency in vitamin C might make bleeding worse. Oranges, sweet potatoes, red peppers, and carrots are only some examples of vitamin C-rich foods that are advocated for consumption.

5 Take in more vitamin K.

Deficiency in vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting, can lead to excessive bleeding. Therefore, consuming vitamin K-rich meals or supplements can help lessen gum bleed. Spinach, kale, collard greens, and mustard greens are just a handful of the many foods that are high in vitamin K.

6. Apply a cold compress

Occasionally, bleeding from trauma or an injury to the gum tissue is the primary source of noticeable blood traces during brushing, rather than gum disease. To stop bleeding and minimize swelling, a cold compress can be applied to the gum line. Several times a day, for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, you can accomplish this by applying an ice pack or a cold cloth to your gums.

7 Reduce your carbohydrate intake.

Reducing your carbohydrate and sugar intake may also enhance gum health and prevent gum disease because they have been shown to promote the creation of plaque and the growth of germs. Blood spots on your toothbrush could be a sign of bleeding gums, which increases with plaque buildup on your gums, says Healthline.

8. Sip some green tea

Catechin, a powerful natural antioxidant found in green tea, has been related to a reduced inflammatory response to oral bacteria. Consuming it on a regular basis has been shown to reduce the effects of periodontal disease and heal bleeding gums. Green tea has been shown to promote oral health when used regularly in amounts of three to four cups per day.

9. Rinse your mouth with salt water

Rinsing your mouth with a solution of half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water for a few seconds, three to four times a day, has been shown to significantly reduce the bacteria and inflammation in the mouth that cause gum disease. It aids in oral hygiene by lowering bacterial counts and halting bleeding gums.