You might feel alarmed to notice bleeding gums for the first time. Most of the time, the cause is simple and easily taken care of at home. However, you should see your dentist if the bleeding persists for longer than a couple of days. Learn more about why gums bleed, and book an appointment with Trident General Dentistry today.
Common Reasons Your Gums May Bleed
Here are some of the most common reasons that gums bleed:
· Gingivitis. The accumulation of dental plaque at the gum line around teeth causes mild inflammation called gingivitis. Inflamed gums typically become red, swollen, and bleed when your brush or floss your teeth.
· Improper brushing and flossing. Proper brushing and flossing keep your gums healthy. Using a hard toothbrush, brushing with too much force, and improper flossing can harm your gums and cause bleeding.
· Blood thinners. If you take blood thinners and experience constant bleeding gums, you need to consult your physician. If the bleeding is only occasional, you can probably control it by taking measures at home.
· Pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make you more susceptible to plaque buildup and gingivitis. Maintaining oral health is essential during pregnancy to avoid serious gum infections and tooth decay.
· Dentures. Plaque can accumulate on dentures and cause gum inflammation and bleeding. Dentures that don’t fit snugly against the gums can move during eating and speaking, injure the gums, and cause bleeding. Overwearing dentures without giving inadequate rest to the gums can also lead to bleeding gums.
· Defective dental fillings or crowns. Dental fillings and crowns must fit your tooth well, or problems will develop. If the edges of a dental restoration are rough and leave a gap between it and the tooth, bacteria will accumulate and cause gingivitis and bleeding gums.
Other Causes of Bleeding Gums
While it is true that bleeding gums do not pose a serious threat most of the time, there are some serious reasons that gums bleed.
· Periodontal disease. If the milder gingivitis remains untreated, it can develop into a severe gum infection known as periodontitis. The infected gums cause bone loss and more severe bleeding. Studies show that periodontal disease can contribute to medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and dementia.
· Diabetes. Excess blood and salivary sugar from diabetes aid the growth of harmful bacteria in your mouth. When these bacteria mix with food particles, plaque forms and causes inflamed and bleeding gums.
· Leukemia. Swollen and bleeding gums are changes in the mouth caused by leukemia. Although this is not common, it is essential to have a dental exam if you have persistent bleeding gums.
· Vitamin C deficiency. Scurvy, or vitamin C deficiency, affects more than 7% of the population in the United States. Smokers are at more risk of inadequate vitamin C and bleeding gums.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums
You can resolve most bleeding gums problems by taking steps at home, such as:
· Brush your teeth twice daily and floss each day.
· Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush gently with a circular motion.
· Floss thoroughly, gently, and slightly beneath the gumline between each pair of teeth.
· Eat a healthy and balanced diet that includes more fruits and vegetables and less sugary foods.
· Use an antiseptic mouthwash that has the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance.
· Stop smoking and the use of other tobacco products.
· Have regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings.
Schedule an Appointment
If bleeding gums persist after a couple of days, you should call Trident General Dentistry for an evaluation to determine the cause and best course of treatment.