Why are my Gums Bleeding?
You could get frustrated because you exercise good daily, oral hygiene habits with your teeth but you still notice your gums will bleed. It can easily be from something remarkably simple, such as being overly aggressive with your brushing or your flossing techniques. Or it may be a sign of another lingering health condition. You should make an appointment with your dentist and have an examination. Bleeding gums are the primary result of gum disease. It can also be suggestive of another health problems The gums actually play an important role of the infrastructure of your mouth. They encompass your teeth and provide a tight seal around them. Unlike the soft tissue of your cheeks and lips, your gums are firmly connected to the underlying bone which helps with the friction resistance of food passing through your mouth.
Common Causes for Bleeding Gums
Oral health issues are certainly the primary cause of gums bleeding. Gingivitis and periodontitis are stages of gum disease that infect and damage your gums, making the gums sensitive and prone to both swelling and bleeding. You could also have bleeding gums from another reason:
- You have gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease that is very common causing inflammation.
- You brush your teeth too aggressively, or the bristles of your toothbrush are too stiff.
- You just began flossing, or again are too aggressive with your flossing irritating the gums.
- You take a medication, such as a blood thinner.
- You are pregnant and the hormone change has resulted in your gums being inflamed and bleeding.
- Your dentures do not fit well, and the rubbing is causing bleeding.
- You have improperly placed dental restorations.
- You have a deficiency in vitamin C or vitamin K.
- You suffer diabetes, or a disease such as leukemia.
- You have a lack of clotting cells, or platelets.
How to Treat Your Bleeding Gums
If the bleeding of your gums lasts more than a week, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist for an examination to identify the cause. Sometimes a bleeding gum problem can be addressed at home with a simply remedy like a mouthwash or a saltwater rinse. But the leading cause of bleeding gums is gum disease. Over half of American adults past the age of thirty have had some level of gum disease. Your dentist will carefully examine your teeth and gums, take a few x-rays, and identify the source of your problem. If it is found to be gum disease the treatment is simple. Gum disease is the direct result of the buildup of plaque and tartar on the enamel of your teeth. This plaque harbors bacteria that immediately infects the gum tissue when it comes in contact. With a thorough teeth cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will remove the plaque with a hand scaler or ultrasonic device, removing the source of the infection. In just a few days your gums will heal, the swelling will recede, the color will return to a natural pink and the bleeding will subside.
Your dentist will also help you if the source of your bleeding gums is another cause. Lab work will identify any deficiencies. They can also immediately identify if the cause is from brushing too aggressively or flossing improperly. If you have signs of bleeding gums, please schedule a dental examination soon.