You know how sometimes, when you floss and aggressively brush your teeth, your gums actually bleed a little? This whole time, we thought that’s just what happens when you take your dental hygiene seriously, but it turns out, that’s not normal. Yikes! It might be a sign of gum disease.
1. You were too aggressive.
According to periodontist Sally Cram, it only takes 24 hours for bacteria to cause inflammation. If you were brushing too fast without hitting all the nooks and crannies where bacteria usually builds up, inflammation can cause your gums to bleed.
2. It might be your hormones.
Everyone knows that when you’re on your period, your hormones fluctuate a little (jk, a lot). When this happens, our teeth become more sensitive to plaque, which can trigger bleeding in gums. Try rinsing with mouthwash or flossing to help calm your gums down.
3. One word: STRESS
Cram says, “We actually see bleeding gums often in college kids because they’re eating poorly, staying up late, and stressed with schoolwork, and all those things impact your body’s ability to fight inflammation caused by bacteria in the mouth.” But we know college kids aren’t the only ones who are stressed. And we’re damn sure they aren’t the only ones who are guilty of eating shitty food. Yet another reason to stop eating pancit canton.
4. Blame your meds.
Certain prescription medicines can cause dry mouth, and the lack of saliva allows bacteria to wreak havoc on your chompers, which can lead to swollen, bleeding gums. Consult with your dentist to see what products you can use to counter the dryness caused by your meds.
Source: Women’s Health
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