Poor oral hygiene is a well-known cause of early gum disease, but there can be other, lesser-known factors at play for those who are experiencing bleeding and inflamed gums. According to a recent survey, 64 percent of Canadians experience blood in the sink after brushing, but more than half choose to ignore the issue and brush it off as not serious.1

Early-stage gum disease is called gingivitis and refers to inflammation and swelling of the gums. If you have gingivitis, you might notice your gums bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to a more serious gum disease called periodontal disease, which can cause dental infections and loose teeth.

High levels of stress can affect your oral health. When you're stressed, you might be more likely to skip brushing or flossing, or choose to eat fast food instead of a balanced meal. Stress also increases inflammation in your body, which makes your gums more likely to bleed. Severe stress can cause biochemical changes in the body, affecting the immune system and leaving your body vulnerable to disease, according to Public Health Canada.2

Like so many other parts of our bodies, pregnancy can also impact our oral health, including our gum health—something only 37 percent of Canadians appear to know.3 Due to changing hormones, pregnant women are more prone to experiencing gingivitis. This is because the hormones estrogen and progesterone cause more blood flow to your gums, increasing their sensitivity.4 This can also make it easier for plaque to build up, which increases your risk of developing gingivitis.

“Much like my other three pregnancies, gum sensitivity started very early on in my first trimester. However, because it had happened so often in the past, I knew the signs to look for and was able to pay attention before it became a bigger issue,” says Sheridan Ingalls. The Nova Scotia-based content creator and Colgate Partner experienced swelling and bleeding gums when she brushed and flossed. But she says that it’s a symptom she knows not to ignore.

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“My mother suffered from gum disease, which resulted in surgery, and has always been extra vocal about how important it is to take care of your oral hygiene,” says Ingalls, adding, “Because of that, I was aware quite early on that pregnancy was a risk factor for gum disease.” So Ingalls turned to gum care products from Colgate PerioGard to help protect her oral health.

To reduce sensitivity and discomfort, Sheridan has turned to products that can help. Colgate PerioGardSF Gum Care is a daily toothpaste that significantly reduces gum bleeding and inflammation, or you can opt for the Colgate PerioGardSF Gum Care + Sensitivity formula. To further soothe sensitivity, it can also be helpful to switch to a softer toothbrush like the Colgate PerioGard Gum Protection Toothbrush, which is designed for irritated gums and sensitive teeth. It can help you clean your gums while minimizing any irritation.

“Immediately, when I started using the PerioGard toothbrush, I noticed how gentle it was on my teeth and let out a sigh of relief knowing I had found something that would help ease the sensitivity and discomfort,” says Ingalls.

She also says that she believes that the toothpaste has significantly reduced her gum bleeding and inflammation. “I also find it has a nice taste without being too overpowering and leaves me with fresh breath no matter what—which my husband confirms,” says Ingalls, laughing.

Practicing good oral hygiene can help to prevent early gum disease, even during pregnancy. Brushing your teeth twice a day with an antibacterial toothpaste with fluoride can help to gently remove the plaque that causes gingivitis. What you eat can also have an impact on your oral health. A balanced diet containing fibre- and calcium-rich foods helps support your dental health. It’s also important to floss daily and visit the dentist at least twice per year.

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Although irritating, bleeding and inflamed gums can be treated with products like PerioGardSF. Wondering about the health of your gums? Take the Colgate Gum Health Quiz.

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