Bleeding gums? Don't dismiss the signs — early gum disease can often be reversed

If your gums bleed while brushing, it may be tempting to brush it off. But seeing blood in the sink usually means something is wrong in the mouth. Bleeding gums are often a sign of gingivitis, the most common early form of gum disease. The encouraging part is that gingivitis can be reversed with good oral hygiene.

Oral-B iO

If left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease that cannot be reversed and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Gum health also affects the rest of the body. Oral health and overall health are closely linked, and inflammation and bacteria from oral disease may contribute to problems such as heart disease, diabetes and dementia.

"Bleeding gums when brushing can happen to any of us. When they do, they shouldn't be ignored," said Eva Castro Perea, who holds a degree in dentistry and is Senior Scientific Relations Manager for Oral-B in the UK. "The worst thing you can do is nothing. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene, but periodontitis can only be managed. If your gums don't improve within two weeks, see your dentist or dental hygienist."

Why do my gums bleed when I brush or floss?

Bleeding during brushing or flossing often points to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gum tissue usually caused by plaque buildup. The bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, leaving them red, swollen and more likely to bleed.

Gum disease is not the only possible explanation, however. Bleeding gums can also be linked to brushing too hard or using stiff bristles, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, certain medicines, diabetes, smoking, ill-fitting dentures and blood-clotting disorders.

Should I stop flossing if my gums bleed?

No. Bleeding while flossing is often a sign of inflammation, and gentle flossing can help reduce it and improve gum health. Skipping flossing can allow more plaque to build up and make the problem worse.

What's the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

When should I see a dentist?

Occasional gum bleeding is not unusual, but frequent, ongoing or heavy bleeding should not be ignored. If the problem continues, gets worse or fails to improve, a dentist or dental hygienist can examine your gums, look for any underlying cause and recommend treatment.

Is an electric toothbrush better for gum health than a manual one?

Yes. Studies have shown that electric brushing can make a noticeable difference to oral health compared with a manual toothbrush. Oral-B iO is designed to help prevent new tooth and gum problems, and if you already have gingivitis, it can help clear it up faster than a manual brush. Used with Oral-B toothpaste, the Oral-B iO electric toothbrush can help stop bleeding and reverse signs of early gum disease. Its gentle micro-vibrations and smart pressure sensor are designed to deliver an effective clean while helping protect the gums.

Using Oral-B iO can also help protect your gums and reduce the risk of future gum recession. One study found that for people prone to gingival recession, an electric toothbrush was a safe option over 36 months. Pairing it with an advanced brush head, such as the Oral-B iO Gentle Care, is designed to give an effective but gentle clean along the gumline. Independent clinical studies have shown that Oral-B iO provides 100% more plaque removal and 6x more plaque removal along the gumline than a manual toothbrush, as well as 14.5x higher odds of moving from unhealthy to healthy gums compared with regular manual toothbrush users.

Can toothpaste help treat early gum disease, or only prevent it?

Both. Toothpastes with stannous fluoride, such as Oral-B Pro-Expert, are formulated to target and neutralize harmful plaque bacteria that build up around the gumline, helping both treat and prevent gingivitis. The routine can be completed with daily flossing and Oral-B Mouthwash, which is clinically proven to provide 24-hour protection against plaque and gingivitis with twice-daily use.

About Oral-B

Oral-B was founded in 1950 by a California periodontist who created an innovative toothbrush to help patients achieve healthier teeth and gums at home. The brand continues to build on that mission and is now a global leader in the more than $5 billion brushing market. Part of the Procter & Gamble Company, Oral-B makes electric toothbrushes and toothpaste for adults and children, oral irrigators and interdental products.

About Procter & Gamble

P&G serves consumers worldwide with a broad portfolio of trusted, quality brands, including Always, Ambi Pur, Ariel, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Dawn, Downy, Fairy, Febreze, Gain, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Lenor, Olay, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, SK-II, Tide, Vicks and Whisper. The P&G community operates in approximately 70 countries. Visit https://www.pg.com for news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit https://www.pg.com/news.

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SOURCE: Oral-B