Causes of Bleeding Gums

Healthy gums do not bleed. Many people struggle with this problem, but at Dr. Michael Eisenbrock’s Bensalem Family Dentistry office, we provide our patients with information on how to prevent this problem. Most of the time, the solution is better oral hygiene, but there can be compounding factors.

As plaque becomes tartar at the base of the crowns, acid sticks to it, irritating the gums. Although a professional hygienist may be needed to remove the plaque, better brushing can help alleviate the irritation. However, many people have misconceptions about what makes brushing “better.” Teeth should be brushed for two full minutes per session with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brushing too hard or with hard bristles bruises the gums and is another cause of bleeding.

During pregnancy, women are especially vulnerable to bleeding gums due to hormonal changes. Smokers are also at increased risk due to the toxins that build up in their mouths. People who have dry mouth or are on blood thinners also tend to experience more bleeding because they are less able to fight off the bacteria which cause tartar to build up or their gums are weaker.

Dr. Michael Eisenbrock runs Bensalem Family Dentistry at 3554 Hulmeville Road, Suite 111, Bensalem, Pennsylvania, 19020, telephone 215-874-4042, and at 4735 Neshaminy Blvd, Bensalem, telephone 215-750-9955. Visit BensalemDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Bad Oral Habits

If you suffer from sensitive teeth, Dr. Michael Eisenbrock of Bensalem Family Dentistry encourages you to review your oral hygiene habits. Additionally, bad habits such as nail biting, and opening your X-Box controller with your teeth, can be detrimental to tooth enamel. Additional bad habits that can cause sensitive teeth include the following, and we encourage you to cut back on them immediately.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bensalemfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Eisenbrock, DDS at Bensalem Family Dentistry in Bensalem, PA, call us at 215-638-9952.