Dentist in Leeds - Dental Blog - Leeds City Dental Care

Looking For a Whiter Smile? Make Sure You Do It Safely

Apparently a new survey has revealed that an incredible 20 million people in the UK could be at risk of having a potentially harmful teeth whitening treatment. According to the survey more than a quarter of people considering having this treatment would not go to the dentist, but would choose to purchase home whitening kits over the Internet instead, or would even take the risk of visiting a beautician or whitening kiosk in pursuit of a beautiful smile.

Rather worryingly approximately a quarter of the people questioned by the survey believed that beauticians and kiosk staff are qualified to carry out whitening treatments when in fact this was made illegal towards the end of last year. A recent European Council directive ordered that the sale of teeth whitening products containing between0.1% and 6% of hydrogen peroxide can only be sold by registered dental professionals who offer whitening treatments in their practice. Dental organisations recognise that it is becoming far more popular to have this treatment carried out, especially as it’s possible to have teeth whitening treatments in a number of different places, but there’s also little doubt that many of these are operating illegally, and visiting them could pose a significant risk to oral health.

The concern is that many beauticians and people working out of kiosks are carrying out teeth whitening procedures without having sufficient training and expertise. It is not uncommon to find out that the strength of the hydrogen peroxide used to whiten the teeth exceeds the legal limits. If carried out incorrectly then teeth whitening can damage the gums, and may lead to increased tooth sensitivity, and this damage may even be permanent.

It simply is not worth taking the risk of damaging your teeth and gums permanently, especially as professional tooth whitening at Leeds City Dentalcare may be far more affordable than you realise. In addition you will have the security of having a full dental check-up before you receive your custom made whitening trays. This is very important as having unhealthy teeth whitened will almost certainly cause increased sensitivity, and is something that will not be picked up on by someone without the correct dental training who may be offering this service. In addition a lot of people don’t realise that teeth whitening will not change the colour of any existing crowns, bridges or veneers. These are all things that Dr David Brown can advise you on prior to whitening, but which you are extremely unlikely to be informed about by an untrained person.

By visiting our Leeds surgery you are assured of receiving expert advice on whitening safely. Our dentist in Leeds will be able to tell you the kind of colour you can safely achieve, and we can provide you with the correct bleaching gels to ensure you whiten comfortably, and without any unnecessary sensitivity. We will also give you a lot of information on how to keep you smile whiter for longer, and can provide you with additional whitening gel when you need to top up the results. Your custom made whitening trays should last for a long time, and will ensure the bleaching gel stays in the trays and doesn’t leak out onto your gums, something that is always a concern with the one-size-fits-all trays supplied with over the counter kits.

Dr. David S Brown

David is principal dentist & clinical director of Leeds City Dentalcare. Having graduated at Leeds University & at the Royal College of Surgeons, London, he joined the practice in 1990 & took over as principal in 1992. He has a passion for ensuring that we are equipped with the very latest & finest equipment available securing our place as one of the best equipped practices in Yorkshire.

Increasing Numbers of People are looking to achieve a Naturally Beautiful Smile-Are You One of Them?

According to the British Orthodontic Society an increasing number of people are looking towards achieving a beautiful, celebrity style smile in the most natural way they can. One of the most popular, and healthy ways to do this is through the use of orthodontic braces. While in the past the use of orthodontic braces used to be confined to people in their teens, nowadays it’s quite different. More people over the age of 25 are choosing to sort out their crooked teeth regardless of whether or not they’re a stay-at-home mum or a highflying businessman. Having a straight set of teeth is becoming far more coveted. Wearing braces is no longer seen as being a stigma, and in any case many of the modern orthodontic systems are nearly invisible or are certainly very discreet. A lot of well-known celebrities have made no secret of their use of these invisible braces and this is encouraging members of the general public to take more interest in having a straight smile.

Leads City Dentalcare is able to help patients seeking straighter teeth through the use of clear braces in Leeds. The surgery offers several different systems depending on your exact needs. Some of these systems can deliver results really quickly, often within just a few months while others may take a little longer depending on the degree of complexity. Some of these systems only concentrate on moving the teeth immediately visible in your smile which is one of the reasons as to why they can act so quickly. This may be all that’s needed for and is certainly an ideal choice for many people. However other popular systems concentrate on other aspects of your smile, and will work to improve the way your teeth meet together. This can be ideal if your teeth are quite crooked, giving improvements that go well beyond cosmetic appearances.

This might be quite an important consideration if you’re interested in improving your oral health, which is something our dentist in Leeds certainly encourages. Straighter teeth are always easier to clean, and if you struggled in the past with flossing and brushing and you’ll probably find your oral health improves once your teeth have been straightened. Another important thing to take into account is that having an abnormal bite or even teeth that are only slightly out of occlusion can affect the wear patterns on your teeth. If your teeth are all in occlusion and bite together normally then they will wear more evenly, and all the stresses of biting and chewing will be spread across your whole jaw. However if your teeth bite together abnormally then some of them are more likely to become worn down. These teeth would also be subjected to heavier biting forces and are far more likely to become fractured or chipped than others.

While many more people are opting for having smile makeovers, incorporating orthodontic treatment will help give you a naturally beautiful celebrity style smile while providing excellent oral health benefits. If you would like to improve your smile then it’s well worth considering one of the modern orthodontic systems available today. Dr David Brown or any of our dentists here in our Leeds surgery will be able to advise you as to which system might be the best for your needs.

Dr. David S Brown

Problems Created by Ill-Fitting Dentures

Ill-fitting dentures can cause a number of different problems, and are something we see quite frequently in patients visiting our Leeds surgery for the very first time. One of the most common complaints is that they make eating and speaking difficult, and that the dentures tilt or move when trying to speak or eat. This may be a design fault, or it could be that you have lost significant amounts of bone in your jaw, making denture retention more difficult.

Another common problem is that the dentures look false or artificial, or that the incorrect size of denture teeth has been used in relation to the size of the patient’s facial features. You’ll find that Dr David Brown or whoever you choose to see at our dentist in Leeds dental surgery, will take the time to listen to the type of denture you’d like so you get great results.

Dentures can be as individual as You Are

Some people prefer to have straight white teeth, while others prefer their dentures to the incorporate spaces and irregularities that may have been found in their natural teeth. Dentures in Leeds can be made to include characterisations that recreate your smile in the most natural way possible. Leeds City Dentalcare can provide patients with cosmetic dentures that use top quality denture teeth to give very natural results, and although they cost a little more than conventional dentures, they give excellent aesthetics. These dentures are carefully constructed to give you a natural smile, and are designed to restore the correct dimensions of your face. This is something that is very important, especially if you lost your teeth a while ago.

The reason for this is that your face is likely to have lost some of its height, as the bony ridge of your jaw will have reabsorbed slightly and will have become flatter. Restoring these dimensions will ensure all your facial structures, such as your lips and cheeks, are properly supported. Your dentures can be made entirely from acrylic, or they may have a cast, cobalt chrome base. The advantage is that this alloy is very light and strong, and can be cast up to be extremely thin. In contrast the acrylic base of a denture needs to be a little thicker in order to have sufficient strength. However it might not always be possible to make your denture from cobalt chrome, as this alloy is only suitable for certain situations. These are all things that Dr David Brown will discuss with you at your consultation for cosmetic dentures.

Fed up With Your Dentures moving around?

While a properly designed denture can work wonders on your appearance, it can be difficult to get sufficient retention if you have significant bone loss in your lower jaw. This is where dental implants can be extremely useful. You may need as few as four dental implants to secure a lower denture, making them relatively affordable for most people. Implant placement doesn’t take very long, and you may even be able to receive your implant retained dentures on the same day. It is usually the lower denture that creates the most problems with retention, as this tends to be the area where bone is more easily lost. If you’d like to learn more about cosmetic dentures or dental implants then it is worth contacting Leeds City Dentalcare to find out more.

Dr. David S Brown

Tooth Wear and its Causes

We do see quite a few patients here at our Leeds surgery with signs of wear on their teeth. It is something that can happen to people of any age, but it tends to be more prevalent in older patients. If tooth wear goes undetected and untreated then it can cause a problem, but it is something that tends to be preventable.

Tooth Abrasion

This is one of the most common problems seen here at Leeds City Dentalcare, and it is usually caused by people being too enthusiastic when brushing their teeth. It is a common misconception that you need to brush vigorously to get your teeth clean, when in fact it is more down to technique, and making sure you brush thoroughly but gently. There is no need to use a lot of force when brushing, and it is better to use a fairly soft toothbrush with rounded bristles that will not damage the teeth and gums.

It has become quite popular to use whitening toothpastes, as more people are interested in having a whiter smile, but some of these toothpastes can be very abrasive. If you do have signs of tooth wear then you may be better of avoiding these toothpastes and using fluoride toothpaste that can help to strengthen the tooth enamel instead.

Tooth Enamel Erosion

This is another thing we see quite frequently at Leeds City Dentalcare, and it can be down to diet. Eating a diet that is high in acids, for example eating lots of citrus fruits or sucking on lemons can help to erode the enamel. It is also something that can be down to drinking a lot of soft drinks, or from having a diet that is high in sugars or carbohydrates. The bacteria that are naturally present in the mouth use these foods as a source of energy, producing acids as a by-product that lowers the pH of the mouth, increasing the acidity. This high acidity softens the tooth enamel, and if it occurs frequently will lead to erosion.

Teeth Grinding and Tooth Abfraction

Teeth grinding or bruxism can cause extensive wear to the teeth, as the grinding action wears away the tooth enamel creating fractures and chips in the tooth. Tooth Abfraction is something that can happen as a result of bruxism, as the grinding action causes the tooth to flex. The enamel nearest to the gum line can begin to fracture. Eventually this causes notches to appear in the tooth. These notches may not require immediate treatment, but they are probably something that will need checking regularly.

If you do have any signs of tooth wear then it might be due to just one of the above, or it could be down to a combination of reasons. Dr David Brown, or another member of our dentist in Leeds will be able to let you know the exact cause of your tooth wear, and can offer advice on the best way to deal with it. If we think you are brushing your teeth to hard then we can give you lots of practical advice on brushing and flossing techniques to help get your teeth and gums clean without causing damage.

Dr. David S Brown

Smoking Affects Bone Healing in the Jaw

Most people already know smoking is bad for their general health, and more are becoming aware of the way it affects their oral health, but these effects may be even more far reaching than previously imagined. Recent research has found that smoking negatively affects the way bone heals after treatment for gum disease. It was found that non-smokers healed better than smokers after receiving treatment, but the study didn’t look at bone healing in people who had previously smoked.

A review has also been carried out into a previous study which found smoking inhibited the growth of bone by approximately 2.5mm in smokers, compared to non-smokers. This may sound like a tiny amount, but is enough to make a real difference to oral health. Gum disease is one of the main reasons bone is lost in the jaw, and is likely to lead to teeth becoming loose. While it is possible to have them replaced with dental implants in Leeds, any significant bone loss could mean it is necessary to have a bone graft before implant surgery can be successfully carried out. Traditional dental implants generally need to be surrounded with approximately 3mm of healthy bone, which is why anything that prevents bone regeneration is noteworthy.

The Argument for Quitting Smoking

Smoking is well-known to have an adverse effect on oral health, and the act of smoking damages the soft gum tissues. This is because the nicotine constricts the blood vessels, making it much harder for the body to send the required nutrients to the gums, and for toxins to be transported away from the gums. If you do smoke, and require treatment, especially for gum disease or for dental implants, then Leeds City Dentalcare is likely to recommend you quit, at least for a while before having your treatment, and during the healing process.

It is not yet known how being a former smoker may affect the rates of bone regeneration after treatment for gum disease, so it is possible that regeneration rates may be lower, depending on how long ago you quit. Even so, giving up is likely to give the body more of a fighting chance of replacing lost bone, as it will be better placed to fight disease and infection. This is especially true if you are thinking about replacing lost teeth with dental implants. The success rate for dental implants, when placed by an expert dentist such as Dr David Brown, is likely to be as high as 95% for a healthy person who is prepared to look after their oral health and their implants, but this rate can fall considerably in someone who has any kind of condition that impacts oral health.

Even if you are not considering implants, giving up will still help increase the efficacy of treatment for gum disease, especially if a significant amount of treatment is require for advanced gum disease, or periodontal disease. Bone loss in the jaw will also impact the efficacy of other dental prosthesis, for example dentures require a healthy amount of bone for good retention. If you think you may have gum disease, regardless of whether or not you smoke, then our dentist in Leeds do urge you to make an appointment to visit Leeds City Dentalcare as soon as possible for a check-up. Early treatment helps to ensure that bone from your jaw isn’t lost.

Dr. David S Brown

Misaligned Teeth and Gum Disease

If you have crooked or wonky teeth then you might have considered having orthodontic treatment to straighten them, but might have thought the effects to be purely cosmetic. While most people have their teeth straightened to make them look better, the benefits to oral health can be considerable. People who have misaligned or crowded and crooked teeth are more likely to have tooth decay and gum disease. The simple reason for this is that it is harder to clean misaligned teeth properly and this can result in plaque building up just below the gum line and in between the teeth, increasing the risk of disease.

Gum disease and tooth decay are problems we frequently encounter in patients visiting our Leeds surgery, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Today’s orthodontic treatments are more accessible and affordable than ever before. They can produce significant results within a shorter space of time and are often near invisible. These treatments are ideal for busy people who need something that will fit in with their lifestyle.

Modern Orthodontics Are Easy, Fast and Affordable

Leeds City Dentalcare uses two different methods of inconspicuously straightening teeth, and one of these is the Inman Aligner orthodontic system. This is a removable orthodontic appliance that can align the front teeth extremely quickly. It uses gentle forces that have a very large range of movement. The actual process involves the use of nickel titanium coil springs that apply force to the two aligner bows that oppose each other. The appliance needs to be worn for between 16 and 20 hours each day, and will need to be checked by Dr David Brown or another dentist at Leeds City Dentalcare every few weeks. The majority of cases can be completed between six weeks and five months. The exact timeline is something that will be discussed with you when you visit our Leeds surgery for your assessment. The other system used by our Leeds surgery involves the use of clear aligners that need to be worn for approximately 22 hours each day.

Both systems are able to produce very good results, leading to improvements in overall appearance and oral health within a very short period of time. While they can give impressive results, they are not right for everyone, but this is something we can advise you on when you visit our Leeds surgery for an assessment.

Orthodontic treatment not only improves gum health, but is also an ideal treatment to have prior to a smile makeover. Having your teeth straightened can make it much easier to perfect a smile, and can mean treatment can be more conservative. The Inman Aligner can help to straighten teeth so fewer veneers are required, conserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.

If you are still trying to decide whether or not to get your teeth straightened then preventative dental care can help to reduce your risk of gum disease. This includes visiting our Leeds surgery regularly for a check-up and a scale and polish, and having great oral care at home. Next time you visit us then why not ask for tips and advice on how to clean your teeth more effectively? We are always more than happy to help.

Dr. David S Brown

How Does Your Diet Affect Your Teeth?

Your diet can affect your teeth in several different ways. For instance it can increase the risk of oral cancer, the risk of oral diseases, and having a poor diet as a child can affect the way the facial bones develop. However the main way your diet affects your teeth is far more direct, as your choice of foods can influence whether or not you develop dental decay which is sometimes called dental caries.

Tooth decay is the second most prevalent disorder to the common cold, and although it’s more commonly seen in children and young adults, it can happen to anyone at any age. Once tooth decay does occur it is irreversible. It is caused by the action of plaque bacteria in the mouth that convert the foods you eat into energy for their own usage, producing acid as a side effect. This acid attacks the tooth enamel, softening and weakening it and increasing the risk of decay. Some foods are more attractive than others to the bacteria present in your mouth.

Starchy and Sugary Foods

Foods that are high in carbohydrates and sugars are most easily converted into acids by bacteria in your mouth. If you like to eat a lot of these types of foods then you are probably more at risk of developing cavities. The risk increases if you like to snack frequently as opposed to having regular meals. Some sugary foods such as dried fruits and sweets are worse than others, as these tend to be sticky and will be in contact with the teeth for a lot longer.

Foods That Are Naturally High in Acid

Some foods are more acidic than others, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, berries and blackcurrants, and these will present more of a risk to teeth even though they can be good for overall health. Other foods that are naturally acidic include white wine and coffee. However the worst offenders are often soft drinks which contain both citric acids and sugar. It’s far better to swap out these drinks for something more tooth friendly such as plain water, milk or heavily diluted fruit juice.

Foods That Are Tooth Friendly

In contrast some foods are more tooth friendly, and are more likely to be recommended by dentist in Leeds City Dentalcare. A Swedish study found that eating cheese and milk products could decrease the risk of developing cavities as these foods contain calcium and phosphate, both of which are essential for building healthy teeth. These foods also seem to offer some protection against tooth decay. While some acidic fruits might not be so good for teeth, in general a diet that’s high in crunchy fruits and vegetables is pretty tooth friendly. The reason for this is that chewing these foods helps to stimulate the production of saliva which in turn washes away harmful bacteria and acids.

If you do eat something that’s less than kind to your teeth then it does pay to wait a while before brushing so that the pH levels in your mouth can return to normal. If you can’t brush after a meal then chewing sugar-free gum can also be helpful. Of course regular dental care with Dr David Brown or any of the other dentists in Leeds is essential. If you do have any small signs of decay then these can be treated relatively easily.

Dr. David S Brown

What Are the Common Causes of Jaw and Tooth Pain?

We quite often see patients at our Leeds surgery who have problems with either an aching jaw or toothache, and this can be due to several different reasons. The pain can also differ considerably as it can be triggered by hot and cold foods and liquids, it may be constant or a shooting pain, or it might be a dull ache. Any signs of dental pain are always worth investigating just in case they are being caused by a serious health condition.

Bruxism or Teeth Grinding

This is a common cause of tooth pain and jaw pain, and many people are completely unaware they have this habit as it generally occurs during the night. This means the condition can go undiagnosed for quite some time. Bruxism damages the teeth and the jaw, and your dentist is often the first to notice this is happening. Teeth may appear shorter than before as they become worn down, and chips and cracks may develop in the tooth enamel. The constant grinding and clenching also affects the jaw, specifically the temporomandibular joint that’s responsible for moving the lower jaw as it can become inflamed and painful.

It’s thought this problem can arise in response to stressful situations, but it can also occur if the upper and lower jaws aren’t aligned correctly. If you visit Leeds City Dentalcare for regular check-ups then any signs of this condition are more likely to be picked up quickly before it can cause any extensive damage.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth can present a problem and might cause pain as there’s often too little room for them to erupt normally. This means they can become impacted and need removal. If you’re a regular visitor to our Leeds surgery then it’s highly likely any potential problems with your wisdom teeth will have already been detected through dental x-rays, so hopefully the offending teeth can be removed before they cause you any pain.

Dental Abscesses

Dental abscesses can arise due to a bacterial infection in the tooth which results in pus building up around the root of the tooth or in the tissue surrounding it. An abscessed tooth can be extremely painful and may even cause localised swelling. If you think you may have an abscessed tooth then you do need to seek treatment as soon as possible as the abscess will need to be drained and you might need antibiotics to treat the infection. Having regular dental check-ups with Dr David Brown or any of our dentists is the best way to avoid dental abscesses as they occur when the tooth becomes damaged or decayed, allowing bacteria to enter the central part of the tooth causing infection.

Preventative Dental Care Is the Best Way to Minimise the Risk of Dental Pain

Being in any sort of pain is never pleasant, but preventative dental care with our dentist in Leeds can greatly help to minimise the risk. Regular dental care enables our dental team to pick up on any small problems so they can be treated quickly and effectively before you even begin to notice anything is wrong. Through attending our surgery at regular intervals, you’ll be helping to protect your teeth, gums and jaw from damage and infection. You’ll also benefit from the peace of mind that comes from having regular dental check-ups.

Dr. David S Brown

Acid Reflux Can Affect Your Teeth

Acid reflux is a common condition, but not everyone is aware that it can affect your teeth. The stomach contains extremely strong acids as these are necessary for digestion. During an attack the acids from the stomach travels up the oesophagus and into the mouth.

The proper name for acid reflux is gastroesophageal reflux disease and it is caused by the small muscle at the base of the oesophagus functioning incorrectly. This muscle is called the lower oesophageal sphincter and when it is functioning properly it prevents the stomach juices from coming up into the mouth. If this muscle inadvertently relaxes and opens up at the wrong times then the stomach acids will rise up from the stomach, into the oesophagus and up into the mouth.

Some people are unaware they even have this condition as it can be completely painless and can present very few symptoms. One sign that it may be happening is noticing a sour taste in your mouth. It could be that the first time it is diagnosed is when you visit Leeds City Dentalcare for a check-up, as if it’s been happening for quite some time you may have signs of dental erosion.

What is Dental Erosion?

Dental erosion is where the enamel layer on the outer surface of the teeth becomes damaged by acids. A clean and healthy mouth normally has a fairly neutral pH level and only becomes acidic after you have eaten. When the pH levels become more acidic then this has the effect of removing essential ions such as calcium and phosphate from the tooth enamel. The end result is that the tooth enamel becomes softer and more vulnerable towards decay.

Signs that this may be happening include noticing:

Increased sensitivity towards certain foods and food temperatures
Discolouration as the teeth may appear yellower due to the tooth enamel becoming thinner and exposing more of the dentine layer underneath
Teeth look more irregular and may even appear to be cracked or chipped as the enamel erodes
Small indentations or pitting on the surfaces of the teeth

If Dr David Brown or another of our dentists notices signs of acid erosion in your teeth then they will suggest various methods of combating this problem. Using fluoride toothpaste will help to strengthen your teeth, and you should just spit out the excess after brushing rather than rinsing your mouth with water as this will enable some of the fluoride ions to remain in the saliva little longer, prolonging the protective effect. It may also pay to use fluoride mouthwash to help prevent this erosion becoming any worse. If the dental erosion is already quite significant then it could be necessary to bond the tooth with composite resin to help protect it from further damage. Occasionally it might even be necessary to crown the affected tooth to protect it against decay.

Helping to Prevent the Symptoms of Acid Reflux

It will also help tremendously if you manage to get your acid reflux under control, and some people manage to do this by making adjustments to their diet and lifestyle. It could be that the symptoms are triggered by particular foods including fatty foods, creamy foods, chocolate, caffeine and alcohol, and avoiding these products may help lessen the symptoms. Some people also find it helpful to avoid eating big meals, and to eat several small meals throughout the day instead. It’s also worth contacting your dentist in Leeds for help and advice as they may be able to prescribe medications, or could even recommend surgery.

Dr. David S Brown

Excess Drinking Could Damage Your Gums

Did you know excess drinking could potentially damage your gums? Researchers have found that people who are heavy drinkers are up to three times as likely to have severe gum disease or periodontal disease compared to those who only drink occasionally or who abstain completely. The figures are even worse if you choose to smoke, as this is well known to increase the risk of periodontal disease.

What Is the Link between Periodontal Disease and Excess Alcohol?

Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that promotes an inflammatory response from the body as it tries to fight the bacteria responsible for the infection. The results can be extremely destructive, as periodontitis can destroy the ligaments holding the teeth in place, the gum tissue and the bone supporting the teeth. Having a strong immune system is essential to help fight this disease, but apparently alcohol impairs the body’s immunologic defence mechanisms. This means that the bacteria responsible for the infection can continue to thrive, penetrating the gingival or gum tissues.

In addition alcohol has a drying effect on the mouth making it more difficult for the bacteria to be washed away by saliva. This means bacteria can build up more quickly, causing plaque to form at a faster rate. It’s thought consuming in excess of 10 drinks per week could increase the risk of periodontal disease. One particular study found that increasing alcohol consumption from five units to 20 units per week could increase the risk of periodontal disease from 10% to 40%.

Reducing the Risk of Periodontal Disease

While one way to help reduce the risk of periodontal disease is simply to have as a healthy a lifestyle is possible, preventative dental care plays a huge part. This is why we urge you to visit Leeds City Dentalcare at regular intervals, regardless of whether or not you like a drink or two.

Early intervention is essential in treating gum disease, and can help reverse the disease before it causes any permanent damage to the gums. At this stage dentist in Leeds can advise you on how to reverse these early signs, called gingivitis. Our dental hygienists in Leeds will professionally clean your teeth, helping to remove much of the infection and inflammation. You’ll also be given lots of advice on how to practice good oral care at home, including how to brush properly so you reach right down to the gum line and just below the gums, and how to floss properly.

You can also help yourself by ensuring you eat healthily, and that you keep your intake of sugary foods to a minimum as this will help to limit the amount of bacterial growth in your mouth. Drinking plenty of water will help increase the flow of saliva which in turn helps to wash away plaque bacteria, slowing the production of plaque.

Following a good home care regime should help return your gums to health within a very short period of time. It’s important to persevere even if your gums bleed whenever you clean them as this bleeding should lessen and eventually cease as the gum tissue becomes stronger and less infected.