Are your gums bleeding for no reason? Or do they perhaps bleed when you floss or brush? Whilst it’s normal for a little blood to occasionally appear after brushing, flossing or even biting into food – what is abnormal is persistent bleeding from your gums.
So, if you’ve noticed your gums bleed often, you may be suffering from gum disease which is one of the most common causes of gum bleeding.
Gum disease is a condition where your gums bleed and become sore, swollen, or infected. The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis and if it is not treated can develop into a late stage infection called periodontitis which may cause permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
What are the Causes of Bleeding Gums?
Whilst gum disease is one of the most common causes of gum bleeding, other underlying conditions can cause sore and bleeding gums:
Diabetes
People who suffer from diabetes are at greater risk of developing gum disease, that’s because high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels and can reduce the flow of blood and nutrients to your gums and bone. This increases the chances of infections like gum disease.
Haemophilia
Haemophilia is a rare blood condition that affects your blood’s ability to clot. If you have this condition, you are more likely to suffer from gum bleeding and should book regular dental check-ups.
Vitamin Deficiency
Bleeding gums can also be caused by vitamin deficiencies. A lack of vitamin C, also known as Scurvy, causes the inflammation of the gums and if left untreated can lead to tooth loss. A lack of vitamin K can also cause severe dental problems. Vitamin K is required in the process of blood clotting, if our diets lack this vitamin, one of the main signs could be gum bleeding.
Blood Thinning Medication
If you’re on blood thinners like aspirin, you may be at risk for bleeding gums. Your dentist can suggest at-home treatments like antiseptic mouthwashes to help with gum bleeding.
Pregnancy
Hormonal changes in pregnant women can cause bleeding gums for no reason. This is quite common and usually subsides later in the pregnancy or after birth. Pregnancy hormones make your gums more sensitive to the bacteria in plaque which can then inflame your gums.
Ill Fitting Dentures
If you wear dentures and experience frequent bleeding gums, contact your dentist. Bleeding may occur when the dentures fit too tightly. Your dentist can do a reline to create better fitting dentures.
Flossing or Brushing Too Hard
One of the reasons for bleeding gums can be your flossing or brushing techniques. Using a toothbrush that is too firm or flossing too vigorously may cause your gums to bleed.
Bleeding Gums Treatment
If you are worried about bleeding gums always consult your dental professional as they’ll be able to recommend the best treatment.
Regularly visiting your dental professional can help prevent sore or bleeding gums by controlling your plaque and tartar build-up. Dental hygienists recommend you book a teeth cleaning appointment at least twice a year.
Flossing and brushing your teeth properly can also help prevent bleeding gums - switching to electric toothbrushes cleans your teeth thoroughly without being too harsh on your gums. Alternatively, opt for softer toothbrushes that are gentle on your sensitive or inflamed gums.
Your dental professional can also recommend you use antibacterial mouthwashes which can help minimise plaque or a simple at-home treatment with warm salt water which can help soothe swollen gums.
Bleeding Gum Prevention
Bleeding gums can usually be prevented by maintaining good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing your teeth using the right toothbrush, floss and techniques can help prevent bleeding gums and gum disease.
Using dentist-recommended toothpastes like which is specifically formulated to help combat gum problems can help prevent bleeding gums as well as more serious conditions down the line.
Professional cleaning every six months also helps prevent sore or bleeding gums by getting rid of plaque and tartar build-up.
Maintaining a healthy diet can also help prevent bleeding gums. Whilst vitamin deficiencies are less common nowadays, if your diet lacks key nutrients, you may still develop complications that can cause bleeding gums.
FAQs
How to stop bleeding gums?
To stop bleeding gums, make sure you brush and floss your teeth and visit your dental hygienist for tooth cleaning at least twice a year. Follow a good home care routine that includes daily flossing, brushing with an antibacterial toothpaste twice a day for 2 mins and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
Why are my gums bleeding?
The most common causes of bleeding gums are brushing or flossing too vigorously, poor oral hygiene, smoking cigarettes which dries your mouth causing a proliferation of bacteria, being pregnant, using blood thinning medication or having underlying health conditions.
What are bleeding gums a sign of?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of the early-stage gum disease called gingivitis or the late-stage periodontitis. Other underlying health conditions such as diabetes, haemophilia, leukaemia, and vitamin deficiencies can also cause gum bleeding.
When should I be concerned about bleeding gums?
Some gum bleeding is normal but if you’re experiencing frequent bleeding from your gums then you should contact your dental professional or doctor because it may be caused by an underlying health condition.
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/bleeding-gums
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/bleeding-gums-other-conditions
https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/is-it-safe/swollen-gums-during-pregnancy-1020
https://www.perio.org/consumer/gum-disease-and-other-diseases
