Do your gums bleed easily? It might be because of something simple, like using the wrong technique when you brush or floss. Or it could be a sign of a health condition you need to check out. Bleeding gums are the most common symptom of gum disease. But it can also point to other health problems. This article will show you the answer to the question you have in mind: What’s the reason why my gum is bleeding?
Gum bleeding causes
Bleeding gums can signify that you have or may develop gum disease. Ongoing gum bleeding may be due to plaque buildup on the teeth.
Dental conditions
Gingivitis
Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis, or inflammation of your gums. It’s a common and mild form of gum disease, and it’s caused by a buildup of plaque at your gumline. If you have gingivitis, your gums may be irritated, red, and swollen. They may bleed when you brush your teeth.
Periodontitis
Suppose you don’t take care of your gingivitis. In that case, it can lead to periodontal disease, or periodontitis, a long-term gum condition that damages the tissue and bone that support your teeth.
Other dental situations that can cause gum bleeding
- You brush too hard, or your toothbrush isn’t soft enough
- You started a flossing routine, and your gums aren’t used to it yet
- You have inflamed gums because you’re pregnant (pregnancy gingivitis)
- You have dentures that don’t fit well or faulty dental restorations
Medical reasons for bleeding gums
If you are still puzzled about why you suddenly developed gum bleeding, here are medical problems that can contribute to this dental issue.
Diabetes
Bleeding or swollen gums can be a warning sign of type 1 or 2 diabetes.
When you have this disease, your mouth isn’t as powerful at fighting germs, so you’re more likely to get infections like gum disease. High blood sugar levels that go along with diabetes make it harder for your body to heal, which can make gum disease worse.
Leukemia
Bleeding gums can be a sign of leukemia, a type of cancer.
Your blood platelets help your body stop bleeding. If you have leukemia, your platelet count is low. That makes it harder for you to stop bleeding in different parts of your body, including your gums.
Thrombocytopenia
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth and it doesn’t stop on its own, your gums may be irritated or have thrombocytopenia.
If you have this condition, your body may not have enough platelets to form a blood clot. That can lead to too much bleeding in different parts of your body, including your gums.
Hemophilia or Von Willebrand Disease
With these conditions, your blood doesn’t clot properly, so you may have bleeding gums.
Too Little Vitamin C
This vitamin helps your tissue grow and repair. It heals wounds and strengthens your bones and teeth.
If your body doesn’t have enough vitamin C, you may feel weak and irritable. Over time, you can also get swollen and bleeding gums.
Scurvy
It’s rare, but a severe shortage of vitamin C in your body can lead to scurvy, a disease related to poor nutrition. It can make you weak, cause anemia, and lead to bleeding under your skin.
Bleeding gums are a typical sign of scurvy.
Lack of Vitamin K
If you notice a lot of bleeding from your gums, it may be because you don’t get enough vitamin K.
This vitamin helps your blood clot properly. It’s also good for your bones. If you don’t get enough through your diet or your body doesn’t absorb it well, it can cause bleeding problems.
Treatment of bleeding gums
Good dental hygiene is the first step to managing bleeding gums.
- It can help to follow a balanced, healthy diet. Try to avoid snacking between meals and cut down on the carbohydrates you eat. If you have vitamin C or K deficiencies, take supplements or consume foods rich in these nutrients.
Vitamin C-rich foods
- citrus fruits and juices
- broccoli
- strawberries
- tomatoes
- potatoes
- bell peppers
Vitamin K-rich foods
- watercress
- kale
- spinach
- Swiss chard
- lettuce
- mustard greens
- soybeans
- canola oil
- olive oil
- Do not use tobacco since it makes bleeding gums worse. Tobacco use can also mask other problems that cause bleeding of the gums.
- Avoid aspirin unless your health care provider has recommended that you take it.
- If side effects of a medicine are causing the bleeding gums, ask your provider to prescribe a different drug. Never change your medicine without first talking to your provider.
- Proper brushing and flossing can remove plaque from your gum line and reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
- Your dentist may also show you how to use an antiseptic mouthwash to minimise plaque that forms in your mouth. And a rinse of warm salt water can help soothe swollen gums that bleed easily.
- Use a soft toothbrush. It’ll be gentle on inflamed gums, especially if you experience bleeding after brushing your teeth. Medium and hard bristles may be too abrasive for your delicate gums.
- You might also consider using an electric toothbrush. The specially designed brush heads on these toothbrushes can help you to clean your gum line more easily than a manual toothbrush.
While bleeding gums are the most common symptom of dental issues, other issues might be the cause. Schedule an appointment with an emergency dentist to determine whether dental health is the underlying issue causing your bleeding gums. A physical examination and blood work can help determine the cause of your bleeding. Treatment will vary according to your condition.
References:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003062.htm
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/bleeding-gums-other-conditions
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