If Your Gums Bleed When You Brush, Don't Ignore It — Here's What May Be Going On

It usually starts small. A little blood when you spit after brushing. Blood on your dental floss. Gums that bleed when you bite into an apple. Bad breath that comes back no matter how much mouthwash you use.

Then the worries start. Are my teeth getting loose? Will I need expensive dental work? Why does this keep happening when I brush and floss every day?

You're far from alone. According to the CDC, nearly half of American adults age 30 and older have some form of gum disease — and that number rises to 7 in 10 among adults 65 and older (source). Bad breath is just as common: research estimates it affects about 1 in 3 people (source).

If that sounds like you, keep reading. Researchers have been looking at one reason gum problems keep coming back — and it has to do with the bacteria living in your mouth.

The part most people never hear about

Your mouth is home to hundreds of kinds of bacteria. Some cause trouble: they're linked to plaque, irritated gums and bad breath. Others are your allies: they keep the troublemakers in check.

Here's the surprising part. Many strong mouthwashes kill bacteria without choosing. It's a bit like pouring bleach on a garden: the weeds go, but so do the plants you want to keep. When the good bacteria are wiped out, the troublemakers can grow back first.

That may be why, for many people, the bleeding and the bad breath keep returning.

What researchers are looking at

• A randomized, placebo-controlled study of Lactobacillus reuteri lozenges in adults with chronic periodontitis reported improvements in some gum measurements when used alongside professional dental treatment (Teughels et al., 2013).
• A small preliminary study of Streptococcus salivarius K12 (BLIS K12) looked at its effect on bad breath (Burton et al., 2006).

These studies looked at individual strains, not at any one product. But they explain why a new idea is catching on: instead of only killing bacteria, put the good ones back.

The "good bacteria" approach: ProDentim

Most probiotics are capsules you swallow, made for the gut. ProDentim is different: a chewable oral probiotic that melts slowly in your mouth, right where your gums and teeth are.

According to the manufacturer, each serving contains 3.5 billion CFU from a blend of probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus reuteri and BLIS K12. You let one melt in your mouth each morning after brushing. That's it.

It's designed to:

• Support healthy gums and teeth*
• Help maintain a balanced oral microbiome*
• Support fresher breath*

Is this for you?

It may be worth a look if you:

• Notice blood on your toothbrush or tender gums, even though you brush and floss
• Have bad breath that comes back soon after mouthwash
• Want a simple daily habit instead of another harsh rinse