Have you ever noticed blood in your gums when brushing or looking in the mirror? If so, you may have bleeding gums. Bleeding gums are common but can be a symptom of various underlying oral health issues. Read on to learn more about the causes, treatment, and prevention of bleeding gums. Understanding the common causes can help you take proactive steps to prevent bleeding gums.
Bleeding Gums: What You Should Know?
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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications
What Do Bleeding Gums Mean?
Bleeding gums can serve as an early warning sign of more serious conditions like gingivitis and periodontal disease (an advanced form of gum disease). When your gums are swollen or bleed, it is not just an issue that affects your gums; your entire circulatory system could become open to various bacteria present in your mouth.
Additionally, bleeding gums can sometimes indicate the presence of canker sores or mouth ulcers. If bleeding occurs due to a sore in the mouth, you will likely notice soreness in the gums, which usually appear individually or in clusters.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
When it comes to identifying the causes of bleeding gums, there are various factors, ranging from poor oral hygiene habits to other underlying health conditions. To effectively manage and prevent bleeding from gums, a common symptom of gingivitis, it is crucial for you to understand some of the common bleeding gum causes:
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is often the primary cause of bleeding gums. This condition primarily results from the buildup of plaque along the gum line, which triggers inflammation of the gums, leading to irritation and bleeding. Gingivitis can be easily identified by yourself, as its warning signs are quite visible. These signs include swollen and bleeding gums, a bright red or purple appearance of the gums, tenderness when touched, mouth sores, and a shiny look to the gums.
Gingivitis is thus a major cause of bleeding gums, and if not treated promptly, it can lead to further complications. The good news is that gingivitis can be easily reversed with oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups and treatment. Since it is the first stage of periodontal disease, you should get in touch with your dentist as soon as you start noticing the symptoms.
2. Medications & Other Health Conditions
Certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can cause bleeding gums as a side effect. Additionally, medical conditions like diabetes and blood disorders may affect your gum health, making them more prone to bleeding. According to the Indian Dental Association, people with type-2 diabetes are at a higher risk of gum disease and bleeding gums.
Blood thinners, which reduce the blood's ability to clot, can also lead to bleeding gums. This is why informing your dental professional about your current health conditions and medications is important. If bleeding becomes serious, contact your healthcare professional immediately. It is important not to change or stop medications without discussing them with your physician, as they might adjust the dose or prescribe a different drug.
3. Changes in Your Dental Care Routine
Your oral hygiene tools could be one factor in bleeding gums. If you use a hard-bristled toothbrush, it may cause irritation and eventually cause your gums to bleed. Using a toothbrush with soft bristles is always best to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly without irritation.
Be careful when you are flossing, too! If you have not flossed before and this is your first time flossing, you may spot blood from gums. This usually clears up within a week with proper care. Snapping the floss or sawing away at your gum line can also cause bleeding gums, so remember to be gentle while flossing. If you constantly find that your gums are bleeding while you practise good oral hygiene, inform your dental professional, who can offer you the proper dental advice.
4. Brushing Too Vigorously
While brushing regularly is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums, it is important not to be too hard. Vigorous brushing is a common cause of bleeding gums, as it can damage delicate gum tissues, leading to irritation, inflammation, and eventually bleeding.
Rather than using a hard-bristled toothbrush, it is ideal to switch to a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush to brush gently with care. If you are still confused about choosing the right toothbrush for your needs, discuss it with your dentist.
5. Pregnancy Gingivitis
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can worsen gingivitis in women if it already exists. This condition, commonly known as pregnancy gingivitis, typically worsens by the second month and peaks by the eighth month. During this time, gum tissues become more tender, swollen, and prone to bleeding. Hormonal changes alter the body’s response to bacteria, leading to inflammation and gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene can help promote healthy gums and teeth. Pregnancy-related gingivitis usually resolves within a few months after delivery.
Treatment of Bleeding Gums
If you are someone who is looking for bleeding gums treatment, then start by practising good oral hygiene. You may brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and an antibacterial toothpaste that fights bacterial germs for 12 hours and helps to reduce plaque, gingivitis, tartar build-up, cavities, and bad breath between visits to your dentist. Consider using Colgate Total Advanced Health, formulated with Dual Zinc and Arginine that helps fight germs on teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue, protecting your mouth for 12 hours.
It is also crucial to visit your dental professional to get a professional cleaning. They will also let you understand the underlying cause of your bleeding gums. They may also suggest you use an antiseptic mouthwash to minimise plaque formation in your mouth. Moreover, you may also consider using an electric toothbrush with specially designed brush heads, which can help you clean your gum line more easily than a manual toothbrush.
To sum up, bleeding gums are a common issue and can indicate various underlying oral health problems, such as gum problems, gingivitis, receding gums, and more severe conditions like periodontal diseases. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the first step that one can take to prevent bleeding gums. This includes gently brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush, regularly flossing, and using a special toothpaste for your gums. Rather than trying out home remedies, regular dental check-ups are also important for professional cleaning and the early detection of any issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I stop my gums bleeding?
To stop your gums from bleeding, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial toothpaste. Additionally, visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups. If bleeding persists, consult your dentist to address any underlying issues.
2. What is the main cause of bleeding gums?
The buildup of dental plaque leads to bleeding gums, a common symptom of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum diseases. However, bleeding gums causes also include other issues such as teeth grinding, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations, and vitamin deficiencies.
3. What deficiency causes bleeding gums?
Deficiencies in vitamin C and vitamin K can also make your gums bleed easily. If you have bleeding gums not caused by poor dental care, ask your healthcare professional to check your levels of these vitamins. Additionally, follow a diet rich in vitamins C and K to ensure you get the nutrients needed for healthy gums.
4. Why do gums bleed at night?
The common gum bleeding reasons include clenching or grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, which typically occurs during sleep. The constant pressure and grinding can negatively impact the gums, leading to bleeding.
