Why are my Gums Bleeding?
You exercise good daily hygiene habits by brushing your teeth twice a day and you notice your gums still bleed. It could be because of something remarkably simple, like being too aggressive with your brushing or even flossing technique. Or it could be a sign of a health condition you need to see your dentist for and have it checked out. Bleeding gums are a primary symptom of gum disease. It can also point to other possible health problems. The gums are an important part of the soft tissue lining of the mouth. They surround your teeth and provide a seal around them. Unlike the soft tissue linings of your lips and cheeks, most of your gums are tightly bound to the underlying bone which helps with resisting the friction of food passing over them.
Common Causes for Bleeding Gums
Oral health concerns are the primary cause of bleeding gums. Gingivitis, the inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis, are stages of gum disease that infect and inflame your gums, making your gums sensitive and prone to bleeding and swelling. You could also have bleeding gums from a variety of reasons:
- Having gingivitis, a disease that causes inflammation of your gums.
- You brush too aggressively, or the bristles of your toothbrush are not soft enough.
- You just started a flossing routine, and your gums are not used to it yet.
- You take certain medications, such as blood thinners.
- Your gums are inflamed and bleeding gums because you are pregnant which changes your hormones.
- Your dentures do not fit well causing excessive bleeding.
- You have faulty dental restorations.
- You are experiencing a deficiency in either vitamin C or vitamin K.
- Disease or infections, such a leukemia.
- A lack of clotting cells, or platelets.
Treating Bleeding Gums
If your gums are bleeding for more than several days, you may want to schedule an appointment with your dentist to identify the primary cause. Some situations can be addressed at home with simply remedies like mouthwash or saltwater rinses. The primary cause is that of gum disease. Over 50% of American adults over the age of thirty have had some stage of gum disease. Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and gums, capture a few x-rays, and identify if you have gum disease. The treatment is quite simple. Gum disease is the result of plaque and tartar building up on the surface of your teeth. This plaque carries damaging bacteria that immediately infect the soft tissue of the gums. With a professional teeth cleaning, removing the plaque with a scaler or ultrasonic device, you remove the source of the infection. In just several days your gums will heal, inflammation will recede, the color will go back to a healthy pink and the bleeding will subside.
Your dentist can assist you if the cause of your bleeding gums is something else. Blood work can identify deficiencies. Or they can immediately identify if the culprit is aggressive brushing or improper flossing. If you are experiencing bleeding gums, schedule a dental examination soon.