February has arrived, which means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! While February is famously the month of love, it’s also National Gum Disease Awareness Month, which leads us to the question: are your gums bleeding for no reason? In the US, nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 show signs of gum disease, and we want to help lower that number by spreading awareness and creating incredible gum-nurturing products.

One of the most common warning signs of gum disease is bleeding gums, one of the many messages from your mouth that you should never ignore. To help you nurture your gum health and have the freshest Valentine’s Day yet, we’re covering some of the most common causes of gum bleeding....and the best Davids-centered routine to care for your gums.

are your gums bleeding for no reason? common causes of gum bleeding and how to alleviate them

1: brushing too hard

It’s a common misconception that you can achieve a deeper clean by brushing harder. The truth is that brushing harder can actually do more harm than good. It can hurt your gums and lead to bleeding and stinging. It can also lead to sensitivity because it can cause your gums to recede and your enamel to weaken, both of which can expose the “tubules” that lead to your tooth’s ultra-sensitive center nerve. The good news is that this is one of the causes of gum bleeding that’s super easy to fix. All you have to do is go light on the brushing....and make sure you’re using a soft bristle toothbrush, like our premium bamboo toothbrush.

For a gentle, effective cleaning, try completing a mini-mindfulness practice during your oral care routine. Carefully clean each tooth with intention, holding your soft toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and cleaning the front, back, and top surface of each tooth. Be sure to gently brush back and forth on the gum line to remove any plaque buildup that could lead to gingivitis.

2: improper or inconsistent flossing

If you’ve recently started a new flossing routine and notice your gums start to bleed out of the blue, your gums might not be used to flossing yet. While it can be tempting to toss the floss when your gums bleed, it actually might be a sign that your teeth really need flossing.

The trick is to floss every single day with consistency, and the bleeding should eventually subside. Be sure to use proper technique by gently “hugging” each tooth with the floss and gliding the floss up and down without too much force in the downward direction. Also, ensure you’re using carefully designed dental floss like the Davids expanding dental floss. It’s woven with over 250 strong yet soft threads that expand as you go to fit in tight crevices and grab more plaque and debris along the way. Not to mention, it’s infused with xylitol and nano-hydroxyapatite to help fight bad bacteria and remineralize your enamel in those hard-to-reach areas to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

3: hormonal changes

Hormonal changes are one of the (more unexpected) causes of gum bleeding. For example, have you heard that increased estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy can lead to gum bleeding and gum disease? Pregnancy gingivitis can cause increased inflammation in your gums, causing tenderness, redness, and bleeding. Dental experts believe that the increased inflammation is caused by increased blood flow to your gums and decreased immune response due to pregnancy. This makes it harder for your mouth to fight off bacteria and plaque, which is why it’s extremely important to stay on top of your oral care.

Flossing daily and brushing with hydroxyapatite toothpaste can help keep your gums healthy and strong during periods of hormonal changes. As the hydroxyapatite particles in our sensitive + whitening toothpaste work to fortify your enamel from the inside out, gentle abrasives work to break down stubborn plaque, and xylitol + peppermint oils fight and starve the bad bacteria in your mouth. The result is a bright smile, healthy gums, and fresh breath....just in time for Valentine’s Day!

4: certain health conditions

Various conditions such as diabetes, nutrient deficiencies (such as low vitamin C), blood disorders, and autoimmunity can cause gum bleeding. If you’re continuously asking yourself, “Why are my gums bleeding?” and they don’t stop after a few days of proper diet and oral care, it could be a sign of something deeper. Be sure to book an appointment with your dentist and primary care doctor to see if any underlying conditions are contributing to your inflamed gums. Remember, your oral health is a cornerstone of your overall health!

5: stress

When you think of the impacts of stress on your body, you probably don’t think of it as one of the main causes of gum bleeding. But stress can play a central role in your gum health! Not only can stress increase inflammation and blood flow in your gums, but it can also cause you to subconsciously clench your jaw and grind your teeth (during the day and when you’re sleeping). Jaw clenching (bruxism) can lead to gum recession and make your gums more vulnerable to attacks from bacteria and other microorganisms.

To help reduce stress, nurture your immune system, and regulate your nervous system, we recommend finding a form of exercise you can stick to for 30 minutes every day. It’s also best to reduce (or ideally eliminate) caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use.

curate your healthy gum routine in time for valentine’s day

To celebrate Valentine’s Day and National Gum Disease Awareness Month, curate an oral care routine that officially eliminates that pesky question, “Why are my gums bleeding?” At Davids, all of our products are crafted with deep care and intention, so your gums and mouth can feel healthy and radiant every day. We touched on a few of these already, but you can start building your healthy gum routine with our...

• expanding dental floss: crafted to effectively remove plaque and bacteria and fortify your teeth and gums with xylitol, nano-hydroxyapatite, cocoa butter, and mint essential oils
• premium bamboo toothbrush: designed with natural bamboo and soft BPA-free bristles derived from castor oil (instead of petroleum) to nurture healthy teeth and gums
• premium toothpaste: formulated to gently exfoliate your teeth, fight bacteria, nourish your gums, freshen your breath, reduce sensitivity, and naturally whiten your smile
• stainless steel tongue scraper: made to gently remove the film of bacteria and pathogens on your tongue, so your immune system can focus its resources on keeping your teeth and gums healthy and happy

Have you noticed the secret love note on your box of Davids toothpaste? Find out what D2MFVAMB means here, and treat yourself and your loved ones to an oral care routine crafted with love.

buy now.