hurting/bleeding gums all the time??

[wermy]

My gums bleed all the time, even when I just brush...use a soft brush and try to floss couple times a week....there was a week or two where my teeth and gums bled and hurt so bad I didn't know what to do...just used mouthwash to rinse out....Could this just be gum disease?  or can it be something more internal?  systemic?  anyone ever had such a problem?  maybe it's the med's I'm taking.....although the bleeding started several years ago and the sensitive teeth about 10 yrs. ago.

[love1221]

I'ts probably just gum disease.  You should floss twice a day...once after breakfast and once before bed.  The gums may bleed a lot once you first start this, but they will get better as long as you keep up the flossing.  You could also ask your dentist for a medicated mouthwash...they can give you a prescription for some.  Do the meds make your mouth dry?  A lot of times when people take a lot of meds they get dry mouth...this can cause more problems in the mouth also.

[OneScaredBuckeye]

I agree with the poster above.  It's probably gum disease, but this can be serious and lead to the unnecessary loss of teeth.  You need to brush, floss, and use medicated mouthrinse morning and night.  You also need regular bi-yearly cleanings at your dentist.  Perhaps, if you do have gum disease, you might need deep cleanings.  Some medications can cause an inflammation of the gums as can some vitamin deficiencies, so make sure your nutrition is good.  When gum disease is really bad, dentist often refer to periodontists who sometimes give antibiotics to reduce the inflammation.  Normal, healthy gums should not bleed at all when you brush.