Plaque buildup causes bleeding gums, a common symptom of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other gum diseases. But bleeding gums can also indicate other problems, such as teeth grinding, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations, and vitamin deficiencies.
What Bleeding Gums Mean
Bleeding gums are the No. 1 symptom of gingivitis and other forms of gum disease. But bleeding gums can also indicate other health problems, including hormonal fluctuations, vitamin deficiencies, blood clotting disorders, and even stress.
Possible Reasons Why Your Gums Are Bleeding
There are several reasons why your gums may bleed. In most cases, the cause is an oral health problem. But it can also be a symptom of other conditions. Dental causes include:
- Poor oral hygiene;
- Smoking;
- Gingivitis (early stage of gum disease);
- periodontitis (moderate to advanced gum disease);
- necrotizing gingivitis (severe gum disease);
- ill-fitting dentures or other dental appliances;
- improper flossing;
- infection, which can be in the tooth or in the gums.
Other causes include:
- diabetes;
- hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause;
- vitamin K or C deficiency, or scurvy (a severe form of vitamin C deficiency);
- blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants);
- pernicious anemia;
- thrombocytopenia;
- hemophilia;
- von Willebrand disease;
- oral herpes;
- HIV/AIDS;
- stress;
- leukemia.
Care and treatment
Treatment for bleeding gums depends on the underlying cause. If it is caused by gum disease, your dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) will recommend appropriate treatment.
Common treatments for gum disease include:
- improving oral hygiene at home;
- antibiotics (as prescribed by your doctor);
- scaling and professional cleaning;
- surgery (to reduce the size of pockets around your teeth);
- laser periodontal therapy.
If you have bleeding gums but don’t have gum disease, your doctor will need to determine why. He or she may recommend tests to determine if you have diabetes, a blood clotting disorder, vitamin deficiencies, or other conditions. Once a diagnosis is made, your doctor will recommend appropriate treatment.
How to Stop Bleeding Gums at Home
If you have bleeding gums that don’t stop within two weeks, you should make an appointment with your dentist. He or she can determine if gum disease is the cause.
Here are some things you can try to stop bleeding gums at home:
- Brush your teeth twice a day;
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush;
- Avoid smoking;
- Try to avoid snacking between meals and reduce your carbohydrate intake.
What happens if you ignore bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can get worse over time, especially if the cause is gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease eats away at the tissue, ligaments, and bone that support your teeth. This can lead to a continuous cycle of infection, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
If your bleeding gums are caused by another health problem, your symptoms may worsen as the underlying condition worsens. It’s best to see a doctor so they can make a proper diagnosis and start the necessary treatment.
Can bleeding gums be prevented?
Yes, in many cases, you can. To reduce your risk of bleeding from gum disease, see your dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene at home. However, you can’t prevent bleeding gums from other causes, such as hormonal changes, bleeding disorders, or leukemia.
When to see a doctor
Bleeding gums may go away on their own. But if the bleeding doesn’t stop within two weeks, you should talk to your dentist or general practitioner. They will either recommend treatment for bleeding gums (such as deep cleanings) or treatment for another underlying condition.
Sometimes your gums may bleed if you accidentally bite into something hard, such as a chip. This is usually not a cause for concern. But if your gums bleed for no apparent reason, it could mean you have gum disease or another medical condition.
If your gums bleed for more than two weeks or if you have additional symptoms, such as bad breath or swollen gums, you should see a doctor.
Bleeding when brushing your teeth can be a cause for concern. Bleeding gums can indicate gum disease or other general health conditions. If your gums bleed randomly or bleed while brushing, let your dentist or family doctor know. They can find out the cause of your symptoms and recommend treatment.
Dentistry plays an important role in oral health. The specialists at YAREMA DENTAL can develop a personalized plan that will preserve your smile for a long time.