What are the causes of bleeding gums?
- Gingivitis
- Poor oral health habits
- Hormonal changes due to pregnancy
- Stress
- Serious health conditions
- Smoking
- Misaligned teeth
Here at Our Dental Care, we are invested in our patient’s oral health. So our dentists make sure to educate their patients on common issues they may experience with their teeth. One of them is bleeding gums.
We understand that the sight of blood when brushing or flossing can be alarming, and it’s natural to feel worried about what might be causing it. The good news is that bleeding gums are often a sign that something can be improved in your oral hygiene routine.
In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of bleeding gums. Keep reading to learn more!
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a common oral condition that can cause your gums to bleed. It happens when plaque builds up along your gum line and isn’t removed properly. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious stages of gum disease.
Symptoms of gingivitis include redness, tenderness, and swelling of your gums, as well as bad breath and receding gums. But don’t worry! Gingivitis is treatable and can even be prevented with good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.
If you feel that symptoms that bleeding have gotten worse, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist so that they can give you the proper gum disease treatment.
A healthy diet and lifestyle can also help prevent gingivitis. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals, avoiding sugary and acidic foods and drinks, and quitting smoking are all great ways to keep your gums healthy.
Poor Oral Health Habits
A temporary lapse in your oral hygiene can sometimes cause bleeding gums. Yikes!
You can prevent the bleeding of gums by improving your oral health habits. For instance, make sure to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. If you’re using a hard-bristled toothbrush, please switch to a soft-bristled one because it’s easier on our gums.
In addition to this, your gums may bleed simply because you’re brushing too hard. Although our gums can withstand vigorous brushing, it might irritate your gums, which causes them to bleed.
Let’s not also forget that wearing dentures that do not fit properly in your mouth can scratch or sore your gums, causing them to bleed. Apart from this, those who do not dare take out their dentures at night can be prone to bleeding gums.
So, to avoid bleeding gums, it’s time to avoid these poor oral health habits if you want to have healthy gums and teeth.
Hormonal Changes Due to Pregnancy
Many pregnant women experience swollen, tender, and red gums that bleed every time they brush or floss their teeth. The hormonal fluctuations during this period in their life may result in sore or inflamed gums.
Gladly, good hygiene methods can prevent bleeding gums during this period. However, if the condition flares up, they must visit their dentist for a dental check-up and have their gums checked to avoid any complications during their pregnancy.
Stress
Stress is a common experience for many people. However, it can have an impact on our health, including our oral health. It’s because when we experience stress, our body’s immune system can become compromised, making us susceptible to bleeding gums and gum disease.
Apart from this, stress also causes inflammation throughout our bodies, which increases the chances of red, swollen, and tender gums. Not to mention that inflammation may also break down our mouth’s soft tissues, further slowing the healing process for bleeding gums.
Serious Health Conditions
Bleeding gums can also be a warning sign of more serious health conditions, including diabetes and leukemia.
For instance, people diagnosed with diabetes may make it harder for their bodies to fight germs, making them at an increased risk of getting gum infections, such as bleeding, swollen, and gum disease. In addition to this, it can make it harder for their bodies to heal since diabetes results in high blood sugar levels.
On the other hand, leukemia, a type of cancer making a person’s blood platelets low, makes it hard for one’s body to halt the bleeding of their gums.
Smoking
Using cigarettes and other tobacco products can extremely damage your gums. People who smoke are far more likely to develop bleeding gums. Besides, several gum problems might arise if they continue smoking, from sensitive gums to painful gum sores.
And, once the gum bleeding begins, harmful bacteria are trapped between teeth and gum line, further complicating your oral condition.
Misaligned Teeth
If you have a bite disease, which is caused by misaligned teeth, it might be a way for your gums to bleed. It’s because your bite gives a wrong pressure that affects your gums, supporting tissue, and bone. Applying repeated pressure can cause your gums to recede and its bone to deteriorate.
So, it’s important to talk to your dentist about the best solution to resolve your unbalanced bite.
Key Takeaway
It’s essential to promptly address any causes of bleeding gums, as it can lead to more serious oral health issues. Practising good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and stress management can alleviate bleeding gums.
Our Dental Care offers the best gum treatment in Sydney. Our dental clinic is located at Drummoyne, New South Wales. For more inquiries, contact us here.
