From- LivFresh

You’ve probably spit pink in the sink after brushing or flossing before and didn’t think twice about it. It’s normal, right? 

But eventually, gum bleeding starts to raise questions…why are my gums bleeding EVERY time I brush or floss? That is NOT normal. It’s usually a sign of gum disease.

We’ll cover all the causes of bleeding gums below, and more importantly, we’ll show you what you can do to stop bleeding gums for good. It’s usually as simple as getting a grip on plaque.

• Most cases of bleeding gums can be traced back to plaque buildup from poor daily oral care.
• Gingivitis isn’t the only cause. Stress, smoking, and certain underlying health issues could be to blame.
• A soft-bristled toothbrush paired with LivFresh's Gum Protect+ Toothpaste could improve the issue in just 4 weeks.
• We recommend adding a mouthwash to reach into nooks and crannies where plaque likes to hide.
• Persistent bleeding is a good sign you’re due for a dental visit to rule out advanced gum disease.

We’re going to look at the 10 most common bleeding gums causes. It could be any of these, and more likely, it’s a combination of them at play. 

The simplest answer to what causes bleeding gums is gingivitis - early gum disease. This is the stage where you can still make changes to reverse the issue before it starts causing recession (permanent). Full-blown periodontal disease can even damage the bone supporting your teeth.1

The cause of bleeding gums here is plaque buildup along the gumline. This prompts your body’s inflammatory response, which causes bleeding as soon as you touch the area with your toothbrush bristles or floss.

Bleeding every single time you floss is not normal. However, it is normal to experience bleeding if you haven’t flossed in a long time and you just get back into it. The tissue is just reacting to undisturbed plaque. It should subside within a week or two. 

Not all toothbrushes are made equal. The ADA recommends soft bristles, warning that “firm or even medium-strength bristles may cause damage to your gums and enamel.

It’s natural to think medium or hard bristles scrape away more gunk, but that’s not necessarily true. In fact, aggressive brushing is one of the most common bleeding gums causes. Speaking of which…

Harder doesn’t mean cleaner. On the contrary, the ADA advises gentle pressure and short strokes angled at 45 degrees to the gumline.2 Take care to avoid cutting your gums when you floss. Actually work the floss between your tooth and gum tissue. Run it just inside the tooth. 

This goes back to gingivitis. Plaque is a never-ending battle, forming on teeth within hours of your last brushing. It’s easy to remove plaque with a good plaque-removal toothpastethat works at the molecular level. 

What’s not easy is tartar removal. This is what happens when plaque is given 24-72 hours to harden. Only a dentist can remove tartar. 

The CDC says smokers have “twice the risk for gum disease compared with a nonsmoker.” There are a few moving parts here. First, smoking/vaping dries out the mouth - and saliva is your oral cavity’s defense against bacteria and plaque. Second, smoking weakens your immune response to gum infections and causes slower healing. 

Whether your dentist calls it bite disease or occlusal disease, this is simply the result of improper tooth alignment. It places uneven pressure on gums and subsequently causes recession and bleeding. Your dentist will diagnose it and help you come up with a plan. 

I’ve ruled out all the oral hygiene issues…so why are my gums bleeding? In rare cases, it could be something like diabetes, blood clotting disorders, or even a deficiency of an important vitamin (C or K). Experts also say some of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy can make women more susceptible to gum sensitivity and bleeding. 

A review in the Journal of Periodontology found that most studies showed “a positive relationship between stress/psychological factors and periodontal disease.”

It makes sense. Cortisol weakens your immune system as a whole, so it should come as no surprise that you’re more vulnerable to gum irritation when you’re chronically stressed. 

We touched on some of this already, but deficiencies in vitamin C and K can directly impact gum tissue resiliency. Similarly, dehydration can keep your mouth from defending itself against plaque and bacteria. Both of these common gum bleeding causes get overlooked.

Most of what causes bleeding gums is often fixable at home. Start by upgrading to a better toothpaste for receding gums and bleeding at LIVFRESH. We have two formulas backed by 40 clinical studies and thousands of dentist endorsements.

The fluoride-free formula uses Activated Edathamil, a patented ingredient that dissolves plaque on a molecular level and prevents it from reattaching. This toothpaste can remove 250% more plaque according to clinical trials

The new Gum Protect+ formula goes further with Stannous Fluoride to reduce gum bleeding and inflammation 400% better. It also helps remineralize teeth at the same time. 

Pair these toothpastes with the LIVFRESH plaque removal mouthwash to fill in the gaps in your brushing and flossing habits. On that note, you should also make sure you’re using the right toothbrush and actually practicing good technique. 

You may need to make lifestyle adjustments as well. Stay hydrated, eat a better diet, and obviously, quit smoking/vaping. 

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Most cases of gum bleeding can be addressed with a few at-home changes. But, it’s worth scheduling a visit with your dentist if things don’t get better within 4 weeks of following our advice above. 

Your dentist will be able to diagnose the issues with a higher level of precision, including what stage of gum disease you’re dealing with. They can also remove the pesky tartar that keeps the bleeding cycle going. 

But, the first thing you should do is upgrade your oral care regimen with LIVFRESH. Discover what a difference the right toothpaste and mouthwash can make in your gum health. 

We've all been there. Tossing and turning, counting sheep, desperately trying to drift off into the land of dreams. 

It's no secret that a good night's sleep is crucial for our health and wellbeing. It helps our bodies to repair and rejuvenate, boosts our mood, and improves our cognitive function. Yet, many of us still struggle to get the quality sleep we need. 

If this sounds like you, don't despair. Here are the top five solutions for a better night's sleep.

1. Establish a Regular Sleep Schedule

First things first, it's time to establish a regular sleep schedule. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Our bodies thrive on routine, and by sticking to a consistent sleep schedule, you can help regulate your body's internal clock, also known as your circadian rhythm. 

This can make it easier to fall asleep and wake up in the morning. It might be tempting to have a lie-in on a Sunday, but try to resist the urge. The more consistent you are, the better your sleep will be.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Next, take a look at your sleep environment. Is it conducive to a good night's sleep? A sleep-friendly environment is dark, quiet, and cool. Consider investing in blackout curtains or an eye mask to block out any unwanted light. 

You might also want to use earplugs or a white noise machine if you live in a noisy area. The temperature of your room can also affect your sleep. 

The National Sleep Foundation recommends a bedroom temperature of around 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) for optimal sleep. Lastly, make sure your bed is comfortable. 

You spend around a third of your life sleeping, so it's worth investing in a good quality mattress and pillows.

3. Limit Exposure to Screens Before Bed

We're all guilty of scrolling through our phones or watching TV before bed, but this can seriously disrupt our sleep. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. Try to switch off all screens at least an hour before bed. Instead, you could read a book, listen to some calming music, or practice some gentle yoga. If you really can't resist the lure of your phone, at least use a blue light filter or switch to night mode to limit your exposure.

4. Watch What You Eat and Drink

What you eat and drink can also have a big impact on your sleep. Try to avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime. These can disrupt your sleep cycle and cause you to wake up during the night. Instead, opt for a light, healthy snack if you're hungry. Some foods, such as almonds, turkey, and chamomile tea, are even known to promote sleep. Also, try to stay hydrated throughout the day, but limit your fluid intake in the evening to avoid night-time trips to the bathroom.

5. Incorporate Physical Activity into Your Day

Last but definitely not least, physical activity is key for a good night's sleep. Regular exercise can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. It doesn't have to be anything strenuous - even a short walk can make a difference. 

However, try to avoid vigorous workouts close to bedtime as these can leave you feeling energized and make it harder to fall asleep. Instead, aim to finish exercising at least three hours before you plan to hit the hay.

There you have it, five top solutions for a better night's sleep. Remember, everyone is different, so what works for one person might not work for another. 

It might take some trial and error to find what works best for you. But by making a few small changes, you can improve your sleep and reap the benefits for your overall health and wellbeing. 

Sweet dreams!