Bleeding Gums Symptoms, Causes
Bleeding gums are inflamed pink tissue that bleeds easily. It's a common oral health problem, but frequent bleeding may indicate a severe condition. Brushing too hard or poorly fitting dentures can cause occasional bleeding, but if your gums bleed often, seek help, including:
- Periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease)
- Leukaemia (blood cancer)
- Vitamin deficiency
- Lack of clotting cells (platelets)
What are the Causes of Bleeding Gums
Gingivitis:
- Gingivitis Gum bleeding, soreness, redness, and swelling are symptoms.
- Caused by plaque build-up along the gum line.
- Gums bleed during brushing.
Periodontitis:
- Long-term gum infection affects gum tissue and bone.
- Inflammation and swelling lead to gum detachment from teeth roots.
- Bleeding gums can indicate periodontal disease.
Diabetes:
- Bleeding or swollen gums can be symptoms of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Reduced mouth germ-fighting ability increases gum disease risk.
- High blood sugar levels hinder healing and worsen gum disease.
Leukaemia:
- Gum bleeding is a symptom of leukaemia, a type of cancer.
- Low platelet count due to leukaemia leads to uncontrollable bleeding, including gums.
Hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease:
- Bleeding gums or excessive bleeding from minor cuts or dental work may indicate disorders like Hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
- Impaired blood clotting causes bleeding issues, including gum bleeding.
Scurvy:
- Scurvy Linked to vitamin C deficiency.
- Causes brittle gums, anaemia, and skin bleeding.
- Bleeding gums are characteristic of scurvy.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionDiagnosis of Bleeding Gums
Diagnosis of bleeding gums by the dentist includes :
- Visual examination of the oral cavity.
- Signs such as receding gum lines, swollen gums, light bleeding from dental equipment, and cavities aid diagnosis.
- If teeth appear healthy, blood tests may be recommended.
- The Dentist may inquire about medical history to identify potential causes.
- Referral to a general practitioner or specialist for accurate diagnosis if needed.
What are Treatments for Bleeding gums
The best way to prevent gum bleeding is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that prevents diseases that cause gum bleeding. Gum bleeding and other gum complications can also be stopped and minimized by
- Practice good oral health care, including brushing twice a day and flossing once a on day.
- Replacement of toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months
- Visit the dentist regularly
- Make regular appointments with the hygienist for professional cleaning and tartar removal.
- See a doctor regularly to check for health problems that may contribute to gum problems, such as diabetes
- Avoid smoking or work with a doctor to quit smoking
- Eat a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and limit processed foods and foods with added sugars
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentWhen to visit a Doctor?
See a dentist if gum bleeding does not improve in 7 to 10 days. To extract plaque and tartar and encourage gum healing, you can need a deep dental cleaning.
- Lab tests ordered by the doctor to check for vitamin deficiencies causing bleeding gums.
- Deficiencies in vitamins like C or K, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions can contribute to bleeding gums.
- Consult a doctor or dentist if bleeding persists despite home treatment attempts.
- Dentists can monitor overall oral health and detect major issues, including early signs of mouth cancer.
Home Remedies For Bleeding Gums
Adopt good oral Hygiene.
Bleeding gums can be a sign of poor dental hygiene.
- Inflamed and bleeding gums result from plaque buildup along the gum line, caused by bacteria.
- Plaque, a sticky film, can lead to cavities or gum disease if not removed by brushing and flossing regularly.
- Maintain oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily.
- Good oral care is crucial during pregnancy due to hormonal changes that can exacerbate gum disease and bleeding gums.
Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide
- Hydrogen peroxide is not just a disinfectant; it can also remove dental plaque, promote gum health, and stop bleeding gums. Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide after brushing if your gums bleed, but don't swallow it.
- Gingivitis, characterized by inflamed, bleeding, and receding gums, is caused by plaque buildup.
Stop smoking
- Smoking not only raises the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke but also contributes to gum disease, a major issue in the United States, according to the CDC.
- Smoking weakens the immune system, making it difficult to combat plaque bacteria, leading to gum disease.
- Quitting smoking aids gum healing and stops bleeding. Consult your doctor for assistance in quitting.
Increase your vitamin C intake
Vitamin C-rich foods help fight gum infections and boost the immune system. Lack of vitamin C worsens bleeding from gum disease, causing bleeding gums despite good oral hygiene. Foods rich in vitamin C include:
- Oranges
- Sweet potatoes
- Red peppers
- Carrots
- Ask your doctor for a vitamin C supplement, as it protects and strengthens your gums. Adults need 65-90mg per day.
Increase your vitamin K intake
Vitamin K supplements can help with bleeding gums as it plays a vital role in blood clotting. Deficiency in vitamin K can cause easy bleeding and lead to bleeding gums. Foods rich in vitamin K include:
- Spinach
- Green cabbage
- Kale
- Mustard leaves
- According to the doctor's recommendation, adult men should take 120mcg of vitamin K daily, and women should take 90mcg.
Apply a cold compress
- Bleeding gums can result from trauma or injury, not just gum disease.
- Apply a cold compress to the gum line multiple times daily, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off, to reduce swelling and stop bleeding.
Drink green tea
Drinking green tea daily can also reverse periodontal disease and stop bleeding gums. Green tea contains catechin, a natural antioxidant that can reduce the body's inflammatory response to bacteria in the mouth.
Rinse your Mouth with Saltwater
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and stop bleeding gums.
- Mix half a teaspoon of salt with lukewarm water and rinse for a few seconds, three to four times daily.
- Saltwater rinsing also cleanses and prevents infection from mouth injuries or trauma.
