I am becoming increasingly concerned as each time I brush my teeth, my gums start to bleed, can you give some advice on what could be the cause of this?

Your gums should not bleed when you brush or floss. With gums that bleed, there is much more to consider than just the pain or discomfort associated with the bleeding itself, as this could be a warning sign of gum disease.

Periodontal gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is most often caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque, a sticky film of bacteria to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss.

Some of the symptoms associated with gum disease are:

• Constant mal aliento
• Red, swollen, or receding gums that bleed
• Sensitive teeth or tooth loss.

Some helpful tips to help keep your gums and teeth healthy and brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, use a water flosser and if you smoke, then quit.

Contact your Dentist immediately, if you notice that your gums are bleeding on a regular basis.