Bleeding gums can signal either a medical or non-medical oral health issue. It’s essential to address any instance of bleeding gums by first examining potential non-medical causes. If lifestyle factors and oral hygiene habits are ruled out, it’s time to consult a dentist for diagnosis and treatment.
Could It Be Gum Disease?
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
- Pain that occurs even at rest, worsening when biting
- Swollen, often dark red gums
The most common cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease (see definition below). However, it’s important to note that bleeding gums could also indicate a more serious underlying health problem. Untreated medical conditions can lead to tooth loss and bone deterioration if not addressed promptly.
Non-Medical Causes of Bleeding Gums
While bleeding gums are often related to medical conditions, they can also stem from non-medical causes. In many cases, adjusting habits that negatively impact oral health can resolve the problem. Neglecting these habits, however, can lead to infections and more severe health issues.
Common non-medical causes include:
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Flossing after a long break: If you haven’t flossed in a while, bacteria can build up between your teeth, irritating your gums and causing them to swell and bleed. This usually improves within a few days of consistent flossing.
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Ill-fitting dentures: Dentures that don’t fit properly can cause an uneven bite, leading to irritation, small cuts, and bleeding in the gums.
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Smoking: Smoking restricts blood flow to oral tissues, which can hide gum disease symptoms and hinder healing, accelerating gum disease progression in smokers.
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Stress: Emotional stress triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, which may reduce saliva production, increasing the likelihood of infections and gum problems.
If all non-medical causes have been ruled out, it’s important to investigate medical conditions that could be behind the bleeding. These can range from common issues that are treatable to more serious health concerns that require extensive diagnosis.
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Gingivitis: This is an inflammation of the gums due to plaque buildup on teeth. Plaque releases toxins that can harm the teeth, gums, and bone.
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Periodontitis: If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads beneath the gumline. This can cause abscesses, tooth damage, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
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Vitamin C deficiency: Since vitamin C helps in collagen production, a lack of it can cause bleeding gums, especially during brushing. This is rare in Western countries but can still occur.
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Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make gums more prone to inflammation, bleeding, and infection (gingivitis). This can also occur due to hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, menopause, or as a reaction to oral contraceptives.
- Drink water after meals to rinse away food particles.
- Establish a regular brushing and flossing routine.
- Eat a balanced diet, ensuring adequate intake of vitamin C and calcium.
- Manage stress—high levels of cortisol can negatively impact oral health.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with short, gentle circular motions, starting from the gumline, for two minutes. Use a toothbrush angled at 45 degrees.
To prevent plaque buildup, which can lead to bleeding gums, it’s important to remove bacteria effectively from your teeth. A soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended, as it’s gentle on your gums. Medium and hard bristled brushes can irritate and cause injury to the gums, potentially worsening the problem.
If you have questions about oral care, choosing the right toothbrush, or dealing with bleeding gums, it’s always best to consult with your dentist.