Bleeding Gums

Bleeding Gums Buildup of dental plaque causes bleeding gums, a common symptom of gingivitis, periodontitis and other forms of gums disease. But bleeding from your gums can also indicate other issues like teeth grinding, diabetes, hormone fluctuations and vitamin deficiencies.

What is the significance of bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums are the primary indicator of gingivitis and various types of gum disease. However, bleeding from the gums can also suggest other health issues, including hormonal changes, deficiencies in vitamins, blood-clotting disorders, and even stress.

POSSIBLE CAUSES

Why are my gums bleeding?

There are multiple reasons behind gum bleeding. Most often, it stems from oral health-related concerns. However, it can also be a symptom of other health conditions.

Dental causes encompass:

• Inadequate oral hygiene.
• Smoking.
• Gingivitis (early-stage gum disease).
• Periodontitis (moderate to advanced gum disease).
• Trench mouth (severe gum disease).

Other potential causes include:

• Diabetes.
• Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause.
• Deficiency in vitamin K.
• Deficiency in vitamin C or scurvy (a severe form of vitamin C deficiency).
• Anticoagulant medications (blood thinners).
• Pernicious anemia.
• Thrombocytopenia.
• Hemophilia.
• Von Willebrand disease.
• Oral herpes.
• HIV/AIDS.
• Stress.
• Leukemia.

CARE AND TREATMENT

How do healthcare providers address bleeding gums?

Treatment for bleeding gums depends on the underlying cause. If gum disease is the reason, a dentist or periodontist (a specialist in gum health) will recommend appropriate treatment.

Common treatments for gum disease include:

• Enhanced oral hygiene practices at home.
• Antibiotics.
• Tooth scaling and root planing (a deep dental cleaning).
• Osseous surgery (to reduce the pockets around the teeth).
• Laser periodontal surgery.
• If gum disease isn’t the cause of bleeding gums, your healthcare provider will investigate further to identify the reason. They might recommend tests to check for diabetes, blood-clotting disorders, vitamin deficiencies, or other underlying health conditions. Once diagnosed, they will suggest suitable treatment.

Methods to alleviate bleeding gums at home

If your gums bleed and the condition doesn’t improve within two weeks, it’s advisable to schedule a dentist appointment to determine if gum disease is the underlying issue.

In the meantime, here are some measures you can take at home to address bleeding gums:

• Brush your teeth two to three times daily.
• Floss once a day.
• Use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash.
• Avoid smoking.

What happens if you disregard bleeding gums?

Neglecting bleeding gums can lead to worsening conditions, particularly if gum disease is the root cause. Left untreated, gum disease can damage the supporting tissue, ligaments, and bone around your teeth. This can result in a cycle of infection, halitosis, and even tooth loss.

If another health condition triggers bleeding gums, the symptoms may deteriorate with the progression of the underlying issue. It’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider to receive an accurate diagnosis and initiate necessary treatment.

Can I prevent bleeding gums altogether?

In many instances, yes. To minimize the risk of bleeding gums due to gum disease, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene practices at home.

However, you may not be able to prevent bleeding gums stemming from causes like hormonal changes, blood-clotting disorders, or leukemia.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION

When should I consult a healthcare provider?

While bleeding gums might resolve on their own, if the bleeding persists for two weeks or more, it’s advisable to consult a dentist or primary care physician. They can recommend appropriate treatment for bleeding gums, such as a deep dental cleaning, or address potential underlying conditions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What deficiency leads to bleeding gums?
• Bleeding gums can indicate deficiencies in vitamin C or vitamin K.

When should I be concerned about bleeding gums?

Occasionally, gums may bleed due to accidentally biting into hard objects like chips, which is usually not concerning. However, if your gums bleed without an apparent cause or if the bleeding continues for over two weeks, it could be a sign of gum disease or another underlying health issue. If bleeding gums persist beyond two weeks or are accompanied by symptoms like bad breath or swollen gums, it’s advisable to seek advice from a healthcare provider.

How long is it safe to wait if you have bleeding gums?

While bleeding gums might not necessarily constitute an emergency, it’s recommended to consult a healthcare provider if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks. Waiting too long might allow any underlying conditions to worsen.