Mild Bleeding Gums can usually be treated at home. Gum bleeding can be managed and avoided by practicing good dental hygiene. Gum bleeding is common but not life-threatening. An individual may see blood after brushing or flossing, which may irritate sensitive gums. Plaque or tartar buildup is the most prevalent cause of bleeding gums. These chemicals promote the growth of germs near the gum line. Sensitivity and bleeding can be avoided by practicing good dental hygiene.
What exactly are Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums are pink tissue surrounding the mouth that is inflamed or irritated and bleeds easily. Gum bleeding is a rather common oral health issue. If your gums bleed when brushing or flossing, you may dismiss it as normal, but bleeding gums might occasionally suggest an underlying problem.
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Brushing your teeth too hard or wearing dentures that don’t fit properly can result in occasional gum bleeding. Frequent gum bleeding might sometimes indicate more serious diseases, such as:
- Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease.
- Leukemia is a type of blood cancer.
- Deficiency of vitamins in adequate clotting cells (platelets)
Causes
1. Periodontitis
Plaque accumulation at the gumline is the most common cause of bleeding gums. If not treated, this disease progresses to gingivitis, or inflamed gums, in which the gums become swollen, painful, and bleed when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to gum disease, which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
2. Excessive brushing
Brushing your teeth vigorously does not clean them better; instead, it puts you at risk of developing gum recession and bleeding gums. When brushing your teeth, change your brushing method and use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
3. Using improperly fitted dentures
Dentures that do not fit properly might cause gum bleeding and sores if they scratch your gums. People who do not remove their dentures at night may be more susceptible to bleeding gums. Furthermore, if you wear dentures, it is critical to brush your teeth and clean your dentures well to avoid plaque development and gum inflammation.
4. Maternity
Approximately half of pregnant women have swollen, red, painful gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. This occurs as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy that modify the body’s reaction to the bacterium that causes gum disease. Maintain good oral hygiene during pregnancy by cleaning your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush.
5. Unhealthy eating habits
Some components in processed foods might irritate and bleed the gums. Avoid processed and sugary foods in favor of a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, calcium, vitamins A, K, and C, and magnesium.
6. Health issues
Gum bleeding is more likely in people who have liver disease, blood coagulation abnormalities, anemia, leukemia, or temporal arteritis.
7. Medications that thin the blood
Blood thinning drugs lower the capacity of blood to clot, which can lead to easier bleeding. This can be a problem for dental operations that induce bleeding (such as deep cleaning, extractions, and implant installation). As a result, during every dental visit, you should inform your dentist whether you are taking blood thinners.
Diagnosis
By visually inspecting the oral cavity, the dentist can determine the source of bleeding gums. Visual symptoms of bleeding gums, such as receding gum lines, swollen gums, light bleeding from dental equipment, and cavities, can assist dentists in quickly determining the reasons for bleeding gums. If your dentist finds that your teeth are in good condition, he or she will most likely request blood tests to help establish the cause. To uncover causes, the dentist may also ask you questions regarding your medical history. Instead, they may send you to a general practitioner or another specialty physician to assist you in receiving an appropriate diagnosis.
- The dentist can establish the cause of bleeding gums by visually evaluating the oral cavity.
- Visual signs of bleeding gums, such as receding gum lines, swollen gums, light bleeding from dental equipment, and cavities, can help dentists determine the cause of the bleeding.
- If your dentist discovers that your teeth are in good condition, he or she will almost certainly order blood tests to help determine the cause.
- The dentist may also ask you questions about your medical history in trying to find causes.
- They may instead refer you to a general practitioner or another specialized physician to help you receive an accurate diagnosis.
When should you see a doctor?
Consult a dentist if the gum bleeding does not stop within 7 to 10 days. A deep dental cleaning may be required to remove plaque and tartar and promote gum healing. In addition, your doctor may conduct blood tests to check for vitamin deficits that might cause bleeding gums. Vitamin C or K deficiency, pregnancy, and certain medical disorders can all lead to bleeding gums. If the bleeding does not stop after trying to manage it at home, people should consult their doctor or dentist. A dentist can also monitor a person’s overall oral health and spot severe issues, such as the early stages of mouth cancer.
Home Treatments:
Practice proper oral hygiene:
- Gum bleeding can be an indication of poor dental hygiene.
- When plaque accumulates along the gum line, the gums become irritated and bleed.
- Dental plaque is a bacterial coating that adheres to your teeth and gums.
- Bacteria can spread and cause cavities or gum disease if you don’t brush or floss regularly.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day to improve your oral hygiene.
- Here are some additional suggestions for keeping your teeth healthy.
- Pregnant ladies require extra care with their oral hygiene.
- Pregnancy hormone swings can also cause gum disease and bleeding gums.
- Use hydrogen peroxide to rinse your mouth.
- Quit smoking.
- Increase your consumption of vitamin C.
- Increase your consumption of vitamin K.
- Use a cold compress.
- Green tea should be consumed.
- Saltwater rinse your tongue
The takeaway
While bleeding gums are the most prevalent indication of a dental problem, other factors may be at play.
Make an appointment with your primary care provider to examine whether your bleeding gums are caused by a dental problem. A physical examination and blood tests can assist in determining the source of your bleeding. Treatment will differ depending on your condition.
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