Five Things You Can Do If Your Gums Are Bleeding

Read on to learn about gum bleeding, its causes, prevention, and treatment. Whether you are currently dealing with bleeding gums or want to improve your oral health knowledge, this guide offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you maintain healthy gums and a bright smile.

What do Bleeding Gums Mean?

If your gums bleed while brushing or eating an apple, it may indicate a problem with your oral health. Gum bleeding often signals inflammation of the gums or damage to the gum tissues and can be a symptom of gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) or periodontal disease.

Although bleeding gums might seem common, they could be a sign of more serious conditions that are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, HIV, and more. According to the Indian Dental Association, swollen or bleeding gums can leave your entire circulatory system open to the attack of bacteria present in your mouth. 

What Deficiency Causes Bleeding Gums?

While there are various reasons why you may have bleeding gums, it could also be due to a deficiency in any of the vitamins that are essential for your body. The deficiencies most commonly associated with bleeding gums are: 

• Vitamin K: This vitamin plays a crucial role in blood clotting, regulating the immune system, and fighting inflammation. Therefore, vitamin K deficiency not only increases the chance of bleeding gums but also increases the risk of infection and inflammation associated with gum disease, which is one of the bleeding gums causes. 

• Vitamin C: This vitamin is essential for maintaining strong teeth and gums and repairing damaged tissues. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to swelling and poor wound healing, causing gums to bleed easily and take longer to recover.

• Vitamin D: Commonly known as the “sunshine vitamin,” this is crucial for a healthy immune system. Similar to vitamin K, a deficiency in this vitamin can increase the risk of gum disease and gum bleeding.

How to Stop Bleeding Gums

If you are wondering how to stop bleeding gums, here are some quick tips to help treat them. While these suggestions can help reduce bleeding, it is important to consult a dental professional if the issue persists.

Step up Your Oral Care Game

Plaque contains bacteria that produce acids, which can attack the tooth enamel and damage your gums. If plaque is not removed by regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which irritates the gums. This can lead to bleeding and more advanced forms of gum disease. It is vital to maintain a proper oral care routine to reduce dental plaque buildup and the risk of gum bleeding. 

Remember to brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. Regular flossing can help gums stop bleeding. Additionally, it is important to see your dentist regularly for timely checkups, not just when you have a problem or concern, to keep your oral cavity in the best shape.

Take a Look at Your Tools

If you still have bleeding gums even after regular brushing and flossing and with semi annual dental visits, then your oral hygiene care tools could be the cause of your gum bleeding. Although a toothbrush with medium or firm bristles cleanses your teeth and gums more deeply or thoroughly, harder bristles usually cause irritation, which can be why your gums are bleeding. The Indian Dental Association recommends always using a toothbrush with soft or extra-soft bristles, such as Colgate Slimsoft, which has extra-soft bristles designed to reach deep between teeth for an effective clean without irritation.

In some cases, it might not be the tools that are causing the bleeding but the way you are using them. So, if you have been out of the habit of flossing due to gum bleeding, start again. You might see a bit of blood at your gum line, but remember to always handle it gently and avoid pressing the floss against your teeth and gums too hard.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Remember that what you eat and when you eat can also affect the health of your gums. Foods high in sugar or simple carbohydrates can increase the risk of tooth and gum problems because sugar creates an ideal environment for plaque formation. It is important to follow a diet that is low in sugar and high in essential nutrients, like vegetables. You do not have to eliminate sweets from your diet completely, but you may consume them in moderation. Additionally, brush your teeth after consuming sugary snacks to prevent the sugar from sticking to your teeth.

Consider Your Medicine

Certain medications can increase the likelihood of gum bleeding. Some over-the-counter pain relievers can thin the blood and result in increased bleeding. It is possible that a prescription medication can also cause gum bleeding. Your doctor may adjust the dosage or prescribe a different medication in such cases. Always consult your doctor if you suspect that a medication is causing side effects, even if they appear to be mild.

Treatment of Bleeding Gums

If improving your oral care routine, adjusting medications, and maintaining a healthy diet do not stop your gums from bleeding, your next step is to schedule an appointment with your dentist to get proper bleeding gums treatment. They will examine your teeth and gums to identify the cause of the bleeding. If necessary, your dentist may recommend further treatment, such as a deep cleaning or periodontal surgery. In cases requiring specialised care, you may be referred to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum diseases.

However, if you have gum bleeding but do not have gingivitis, your healthcare provider may need to identify the other potential causes of bleeding gums. Conditions such as bleeding disorders, diabetes, blood clotting disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or ill-fitting dentures can also lead to gum bleeding. Identifying and treating the underlying medical condition is crucial for your overall health. In such instances, seek immediate medical attention to ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

What Happens if You Ignore Bleeding Gums?

If your bleeding gums are a result of any underlying health conditions, they can get worse over time if you ignore them. For instance, if your gum bleeding is due to gum disease, it can lead to erosion of the tissue, ligaments, and even the bones that support your teeth if left untreated. This could further lead to infection, bad breath, receding gums, and even tooth loss. 

Additionally, if your bleeding gums are related to any other underlying health issues, the symptoms may worsen over time if you ignore them. It is always best to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if you have bleeding gums rather than ignore the issue. They can give you a proper diagnosis and recommend the necessary bleeding gums remedy and treatment.

How to Prevent Bleeding Gums?

If you are wondering how to prevent bleeding gums, then there are some simple things that you can do. You may practise good oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing to reduce the risk of bleeding gums. You may use a soft-bristled toothbrush along with an antibacterial toothpaste like Colgate Total Advanced Health to reduce the spread of bacteria that could otherwise cause tooth decay and gum disease. With Dual-Zinc and Arginine technology, it fights germs on teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums for 12 hours. Unlike regular toothpaste, it addresses overall oral health needs by removing the build-up of plaque and tartar while preventing cavities and bad breath.