Why are my Gums Bleeding?
There are a number of reasons that a patient’s gum tissue may bleed. Bleeding gums is not an uncommon problem among adults but if your gum tissue bleeds easily, it may be as simple as improving your techniques when brushing and flossing. There are other reasons that your gums may be bleeding which could be a symptom of something more serious so if you are experiencing bleeding gums more frequently, you may need to visit your Dentist for treatment.
What causes gums to bleed?
- Using a toothbrush that is not soft enough and/or brushing too hard
- Beginning a flossing routine and your gums are not yet used to it
- Certain medications, such as blood thinners
- Gingivitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the gums
- Pregnancy gingivitis (which usually resolves after birth)
- Ill-fitting dentures or other dental prosthesis
- Old or poorly done dental restorations
Bleeding gums may be a symptom that something more serious is going on. Below are some of the problems that may be indicated by bleeding gums.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can cause bleeding gums and is signified by inflamed gum tissue. It is a common issue and is most often caused by a buildup of plaque at the gum line. If you have gingivitis, your gums may be irritated, red, and swollen and may bleed when you brush.
Good oral hygiene is the best way to get rid of gingivitis. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, rinse daily with an antibacterial mouthwash, and see your Dentist regularly. Gingivitis can usually be eradicated by improved oral hygiene.
Periodontitis
Left untreated, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis which is a long-term gum condition that can cause damage to the gum tissue and bone that support your teeth. If you have periodontitis, your gums may become inflamed and infected. This can cause the tissue to pull away from the roots of your teeth, which is called gum recession, and can lead to sensitivity and can be very painful.
Periodontitis can eventually cause your teeth to become loose or shift apart. Halitosis, chronic bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away after brushing, is another symptom of advanced gum disease. Untreated periodontitis can leave the patient at a high risk of tooth loss. Treating periodontitis can be much easier if it is caught early than if it is allowed to linger and worsen. Your dental office can provide treatment in the form of a deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, that often can be the solution accompanied by more frequent professional cleanings to keep everything healthy.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Diabetes can make it more difficult for the body to fight off bad bacteria, which can lead to infections such as gum disease. High blood sugar levels that accompany diabetes make it harder for your body to heal, making gum disease worse.
Bleeding gum tissue can also be a sign of certain cancers, such as Leukemia. Leukemia causes a low platelet count in the blood. Platelets are what enables the body to clot and stop bleeding.
Vitamin deficiencies may also present with bleeding gums. A lack of vitamin C can prevent gum tissue from repairing itself and vitamin K is vital to the clotting process.
If you have bleeding gum tissue that persists for more than a couple of weeks, you should see your Dentist for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible to prevent further damage.