When your child brushes their teeth, you may notice a pink color when they spit out their toothpaste. While it can be alarming to see blood when your child is brushing their teeth, this occurs with many children and is unlikely to be serious. In this video, Dr. Emily Hahn covers what you should know about bleeding gums.
Gingivitis can sound like a serious condition but it is very common. It can be caused by poor brushing habits, as children often only brush the biting surfaces of their teeth. Instead, they need to angle their brush to massage the area where the teeth and gums meet. This is one of the areas where plaque can build up. If it is missed during brushing, it can bleed when it does eventually get removed. If your child has bleeding when at the dentist, that is usually a good time for them to go over appropriate oral hygiene.
Teething can also cause gums to bleed. When new teeth come in, they can cause blood vessels to burst, but this usually resolves on its own quickly. Mouths are very vascular, so while they tend to bleed rapidly, they also heal rapidly. When in doubt, remember to keep the mouth as clean as possible and ask your dentist if you have any questions or concerns about bleeding gums.
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