Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums (gingival bleeding) can be a problem that can seriously affect daily life. One can notice these bleedings when brushing teeth or eating something (eg, apple). However, bleeding is more likely to occur on sensitive and weakened gums.

Bacterial plaques formed on teeth and gums that are not brushed regularly can also be the cause of bleeding gums. Because the increased inflammation in the gums due to infections makes bleeding even easier.

Gum bleeding can also occur due to several diseases. Because one of the important symptoms of some tooth and gum diseases is bleeding gums. It is necessary to know that healthy gums cannot bleed easily under normal conditions. Accordingly, bleeding gums is a sign that a person should consider.

Causes of Gingival Bleeding

Everyday Mistakes

Choosing the wrong type of brush, using a hard brush, the wrong brushing method, starting a new use of dental floss, and other such conditions can cause gum bleeding.

Tooth and Gum Diseases

Gum bleeding in adults is mostly associated with the jawbone. In particular, the cause of % 70 of adult tooth loss is gum and jaw bone-related conditions. The most common causes of disease-related gum bleeding are inflammations affecting the gums and jawbones. The most common of these inflammatory conditions are gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is known as the onset of gum disease. This disease makes the gums very sensitive. In gingivitis, the gums are red and enlarged in volume. Gingivitis normally does not cause much discomfort to the patient. However, the gums that bleed while brushing the teeth are very sensitive. If gingivitis remains untreated, the disease progresses to periodontitis. This causes damage to the bone that supports the teeth and gums.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is the more advanced form of gingivitis, which is gum disease. This disease causes damage to the tissues and accelerates the accumulation of bacteria in the area. In the case of periodontitis, damage develops in the alveolar bone along with the soft tissues that support the teeth. As a result, bacteria begin to multiply rapidly in the periodontal pocket between the tooth and gum. This area is a small area that cannot be cleaned. As the periodontal disease progresses, the teeth become weaker and looser. As a result, the patient has no choice but to have their teeth extracted.

Other Diseases

Diabetes

Diabetes can make the body very sensitive. A sensitized mouth has difficulty resisting bacteria. This can become a problem in preventing gum bleeding.

Vitamin Deficiencies

A deficiency of vitamins C and K can also lead to bleeding gums. In this respect, nutrition has a very important place in maintaining our oral health. First of all, we need to clean the mouth, but also consume foods containing vitamins.

Other Causes

If the person uses blood thinners, has an infection, or has a dental infection during pregnancy, it can be the cause of bleeding gums. If the prosthesis used is not compatible with the mouth, the gums may bleed.

Treatment for Bleeding Gums

Oral care is the first step in the treatment of bleeding gums. For this, ADA approved; Colgate Total Deep Clean Toothpaste, Reach Advanced Design Medium Toothbrush, Oral-B iO Series 9 Powered Toothbrush, CloSYS Ultra Sensitive Mouthwash, etc., and recommended correct brushing methods will give very good results. However, for professional treatment, the person should consult a dentist without wasting time. 

Gingivitis and periodontal diseases can be successfully treated if the patient sees the dentist early. If the cause of the gum bleeding is other reasons, the treatment will be more directed towards the elimination of these conditions.

References

American Dental Association: “Bleeding Gums”
Cleveland Clinic: “Is It Bad If My Gums Bleed When I Floss?”
Mayo Clinic: Diseases and Conditions, “Gingivitis”
Oral Health Foundation: “Gum disease”