What Causes Bleeding Gums?
There are a number of factors that come into play when a patient experiences bleeding gums. Gum disease is a common problem that many patients experience at some point in their life, the most common symptom being bleeding gum tissue. Bleeding gums are not only an indicator of gum disease but may also be a symptom of an underlying medical issue. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of:
- Overly aggressive brushing
- Using a toothbrush with hard or medium bristles
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Gingivitis and periodontitis
- Underlying medical conditions, such as Leukemia or Diabetes
- Ill-fitting dentures or old/poor dental restorations
What are gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, often caused by excessive plaque left on the teeth for too long. When you brush your teeth, the buildup of plaque and bacteria that accumulates during the day and again during sleep, is removed. Regular removal prevents plaque from hardening into tartar, which must be removed by a dental hygienist.
Flossing helps clean the areas that your toothbrush cannot reach, including the spaces between teeth and below the gum line. The damage resulting from gingivitis is usually reversible with improved oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. Symptoms of gingivitis may include:
- puffy, tender gums
- general soreness in the mouth and around the gum tissue
- bleeding gum tissue
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection of the gums, jawbone, and supportive tissues that connect your teeth and gums. Periodontitis can cause more severe damage such as gum recession, loose teeth, bone loss and even tooth loss, which is not reversible without extensive restorative treatment by a dental professional.
What vitamin deficiencies can cause bleeding gums?
Your overall health depends on a nutritious diet. It is also an important part of your oral health! Vitamins C and K deficiencies can cause gums to bleed easily because vitamin C helps your body repair damage and vitamin K helps your blood clot. If you are experiencing persistent gum bleeding but your Dentist agrees that you have good oral hygiene, you may need to speak with your primary care physician. Your doctor may advise you to improve your diet to include more foods rich in vitamins C and K. For an increase in vitamin C, recommended foods may include:
- citrus fruits and their juices
- strawberries
- broccoli and bell peppers
- potatoes and tomatoes
For foods rich in vitamin K you can incorporate:
- kale, spinach, Swiss chard, mustard greens, lettuce
- soybeans
- canola and olive oils
What else can cause bleeding gums?
Changes in women’s hormones can lead to bleeding gums but is often resolved when the hormones are regulated. Pregnancy can cause gestational gingivitis that usually resolves after giving birth. Menopause can also lead to bleeding gums in female patients.
Patients with dentures that are too tight and those with bad or old dental restorations may experience bleeding gums. Your Dentist can replace dental work where needed and can also adjust dentures, both of which can help bring your mouth back to a healthy state.
There are also certain blood disorders such as hemophilia and leukemia that can increase your risk of bleeding gums. Additionally, gums might bleed more often if you take blood-thinning medications. Drugs in this class include warfarin, aspirin, and heparin.
If you have bleeding gums that persist longer than a couple of weeks, you should see your Dentist in order to diagnose gingival or dental issues. If they determine that your mouth is otherwise healthy, they may recommend that you see your doctor.