Bleeding gums.

 Bleeding gums.

Bleeding gums are the most common symptom of gum disease. But it can also point to other health problems.

Occasional bleeding of the gums can be caused by brushing your teeth too vigorously or wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly. 

The main cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums.

Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jaw bone disease known as periodontitis.

Other causes of bleeding gums include any bleeding disorders, brushing too hard, hormonal changes during pregnancy, improper flossing, infection, which can be either in a tooth or the gum, leukemia, a type of blood cancer, scurvy, a vitamin C deficiency, use of blood thinners and vitamin K deficiency.

-Gingivitis:

Gingivitis can cause swollen, tender, and sometimes bleeding gums during brushing. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. When plaque on your teeth and at the gumline is not removed by brushing and flossing, it can infect the gums. The good news is that gingivitis is reversible with treatment with your dental hygienist and dentist.

The leading cause of gingivitis is improper oral hygiene. If not addressed, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. The good news is you can prevent this outcome by seeking treatment as soon as the early signs of gingivitis appear.

If your dentist has diagnosed gingivitis, you should be aware that gingivitis can affect other health conditions.

-Medications:

Blood-thinning medications are also a possible cause of bleeding gums. Blood-thinning medications decrease the blood's ability to clot, which can lead to bleeding.

-Changes in Your Dental Care Routine:

If you have not flossed regularly before, your gums might start to bleed between your teeth when you begin to floss. It should clear up within a week with regular care.

Using a firm-bristle toothbrush may also result in bleeding gums. Switch to a soft or medium-bristled brush and talk to your dental hygienist about what toothbrush is right for you at your next appointment.

-Brushing or Flossing Too Vigorously:

You may notice some bleeding if you floss or brush too vigorously. But don't give up the practice — both flossing and brushing are critical for oral health. Ensure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a gentler touch. The bleeding should stop within a week.

-Pregnancy Gingivitis:

Pregnant women may experience swollen gums and bleeding during brushing. Hormones can alter the body's response to the bacteria that cause gum disease, causing inflammation. Going to your dentist and dental hygiene appointments, regular brushing, and daily flossing can help to prevent gum inflammation and bleeding from becoming worse.

-Bleeding gums due to HIV infection:

HIV is a condition which results in serious infections due to a compromised immune system. This infection is transmitted via blood contact, or having direct sexual contact with an HIV-positive individual, or from an infected mother to the baby.

Various medical issues may arise following HIV infection. This includes dental problems such as bleeding gums, soreness in the oral cavity, including of the tongue, lips or mouth. However, this cause can be confirmed only by serologic testing.

-Anemia-related bleeding gums:

Anemia is a medical condition caused by the lack of red blood cells in the blood. One form of anemia is pernicious anemia, associated with Vitamin B12 malabsorption, which also causes bleeding from the gums.

-Herpes infection:

Herpes simplex virus infection can cause severe pain, soreness of the oral mucosa, and bleeding from the gums if involved.

-Stress-induced bleeding gums :

Stress may result in gingival inflammation which makes the gums more susceptible to trauma. Stress also induces an immunosuppressed state, which encourages bacterial infection and may inhibit normal coagulation processes.

-Leukemia and gum cancer:

Oral cancer usually manifests in the form of painless eruptions on the surface of the gums, the inner parts of the cheeks or on the tongue, often associated with gum bleeding.

Leukemia can also cause bleeding from the gums, as it results in the production of immature or non-functional leukocytes and platelet deficiency. Other characteristic signs and symptoms include enlargement of spleen and liver, and of the lymph nodes.

-Deficiency of Factor V:

Factor V deficiency is a bleeding disorder with typical symptoms like bleeding gums, bleeding underneath the skin surface, easy frequent bruising, or nose bleeds.  

 

There are many ways to help improve your oral health and help eliminate bleeding gums. Since bleeding gums are mainly due to inadequate plaque removal from the teeth at or around the gum line, starting an effective oral hygiene regimen is a great way to help treat and prevent gum bleeding. Here are some oral hygiene tips that will help you keep your entire mouth healthier and help prevent or reduce gum bleeding:

-Practice good oral hygiene:

Bleeding gums may be a sign of poor dental hygiene.

Gums become inflamed and bleed when there’s a buildup of plaque along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that covers your teeth and gums. And if you don’t brush or floss enough, the bacteria can spread and cause tooth decay or gum disease.

To improve oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day. 

Good oral hygiene is especially important for pregnant women. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can also trigger gum disease and bleeding gums.

Brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush in a circular motion will help stimulate your gums, help prevent bleeding gums and strengthen the tissue that protects your teeth. All Crest Pro-Health toothpastes are triclosan free.

Brush with Anti-Gingivitis Toothpaste.

Floss Daily: Flossing is one of the most important ways to help prevent bleeding gums and maintain good oral health. It removes plaque and food particles that may be under the gum line and lead to bleeding gums.

Avoid Tobacco: Tobacco use can damage your gums, and can also make you far more likely to develop gum disease.

See a Dentist Regularly: Harmful plaque bacteria can even lead to issues beyond gingivitis like weakened tooth enamel. The cleaning performed twice a year at your dentist's office will remove plaque and tartar that can’t be removed at home. This will help prevent bleeding gums and keep your mouth healthy. You should visit your dentist for a professional cleaning and dental exam at least twice in a year. This can help prevent early gum disease from progressing into more serious gum disease.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: The American Dental Association recommends eating a balanced diet and avoiding between-meal snacking. Also, reducing stress from your life can help prevent gum disease.