What happens when you brush?
Do you see pink in the sink? If so, that means your gums are bleeding – irritated by the toothbrush hitting or rubbing against them. First, check the toothbrush you are using: the brustles may be too hard for your mouth. However, if you are using an electric toothbrush or a medium bristle manual toothbrush, the pink you see in the sink is a clue to gum problems. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed when you brush – period. It’s time to see the dentist.
Bleeding gums are a sign of gum irritation. It could be something as simple as a reaction to something you ate or drank. If so, it’s good to find out so you can avoid those foods. However, bleeding gums also could be an indication of gingivitis, trench mouth, or periodontitis. Gums bleed because of physical illness, such as aplastic anemia, diabetes or acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). On the other hand, bleeding gums also can be caused by a buildup of plaque along the gum line.
You can start immediately to handle mild or rare bleeding by stepping up your oral health regime. Brush after every meal and floss at least twice a day. If you continue to see pink in the sink, though, see your dentist immediately. Bleeding of any kind, whether it’s in your mouth or elsewhere in your body, points to serious issues that need professional attention. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, pay attention to me!”
