Why are my Gums Bleeding?
You might be frustrated because you practice oral hygiene habits with your teeth daily, but you still notice your gums bleeding. It can be from something remarkably simple, such as being too aggressive with your brushing or your flossing techniques. Or it could be a sign of another lingering issue. You should make an appointment with your dentist for an examination. Bleeding gums are usually the result of gum disease. It can also be a symptom of another health problem. The gums play a significant role in the infrastructure of your mouth. They surround your teeth and provide a tight seal around them. Unlike the soft tissue of your cheeks, your gums are connected to the underlying bone which helps with the friction resistance of food consumption.
Common Causes for Bleeding Gums
Adverse oral health issues are the primary cause of gums bleeding. Gingivitis and periodontitis are levels of gum disease that infect your gums, damaging them and making them sensitive and prone to both swelling and bleeding. You may also have bleeding gums from another reason:
* You have gingivitis, the initial stage of gum disease, causing inflammation.
* You are too aggressive brushing your teeth, or the bristles of your toothbrush are too stiff.
* You are also too aggressive with your flossing, irritating the gums.
* You take medication, like a blood thinner.
* Hormone changes from being pregnant, resulted in your gums being inflamed and bleeding.
* Your dentures are ill-fitting, and the rubbing is causing bleeding.
* You have poorly placed dental restorations.
* You have a deficiency in either vitamin C or vitamin K.
* You are diabetic or have leukemia.
* You have a lack of platelets, or clotting cells.
How to Treat Your Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed for more than a week, you need to schedule a dental appointment for an examination to identify the cause. Sometimes a bleeding gum problem can be remedied at home with mouthwash or a saltwater rinse. But the frequent and leading cause of bleeding gums is gum disease. Over half of American adults over the age of thirty have had some stage of gum disease. Your dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, take x-rays, and determine the source of your problem. If it is gum disease the treatment is simple. Gum disease is the direct result of plaque and tartar buildup on the enamel of your teeth. This plaque contains bacteria that infects the gum tissue immediately when it comes in contact. With a thorough cleaning, the dental team will remove the plaque with a hand scaler or ultrasonic device, removing the primary source of the infection. In just a few days your gums heal, the swelling subsides, the color will return to a natural pink and the bleeding will stop.
Your dentist will help you if the source of your bleeding gums is something else. Lab work will identify any health deficiencies. They can also identify if the cause is from brushing too aggressively or flossing incorrectly. If you have any signs of bleeding gums, please schedule your dental examination soon.