What should I do if my gums are bleeding and hurt when I brush?

[Anonymous]

The past five days or so the gums in part of my mouth have really hurt and bled a lot when I brush them. I called my dentist and made an appointment for a cleaning next week (hadn't been in for 7 months).

In the mean time, what should I be doing? Should I brush that area normally, tolerate the pain and let them bleed? Or avoid it?

For some background, I do consiststantly brush twice and floss once a day but I think I may not do it "well"... if that makes any sense.

Thank you you very much for the help! I'll be sure to award MHOs

[dancingFOOL97]

i think that is a sign of gingivitis, but i would maybe buy a soft bristled brush and see if thats easier for brushing with, or maybe even one of the baby finger brush things that is just some soft rubber bristles!

[posted]

Think warm salt water is the recommended way to keep your gums from rotting out. Usually if they bleed it's a sign they aren't used to being brushed at all or well I believe you'll be told.

[Asker]

Hmm well I guess I'm just neglecting that part of my mouth then. The rest of it is just fine.

Thanks for the salt water recommendation though! One question: will that hurt?

[posted]

If it does not much lol.

[Asker]

Okay, so you think I should continue brushing said gums, let the bleed, except use salt water on the brush in addition to toothpaste?

Just want to make sure I understand :)

[posted]

No you rinse your mouth with salt water. Brushing ehh I don't know, really focus on the teeth in that area and not the gums for now in my opinion. Personally if mine were bleeding that bad I would just google a few recommendations on it.

[dogbert444]

Try a good mouthwash. Corsodyl Original is recommended. But see your dentist!