People frequently overlook the significance of taking care of one’s gums as an essential component of a comprehensive oral hygiene routine, despite the significance of maintaining one’s teeth.
It’s important to take care of your gums because they are the foundation of a healthy mouth, and if you don’t, you run the risk of developing oral health problems. If you have gums that bleed easily, this could be an indication that you have a more serious problem with your oral health, such as gum disease.
Common Causes of Gum Bleeding
Many different factors could contribute to bleeding gums. Most of the time, gingivitis is the cause of bleeding gums. This is an early stage of gum disease, in which the gums become irritated by the buildup of plaque and may become inflamed and bleed when you brush your teeth or chew on certain foods. Gingivitis is almost always brought on by neglecting one’s oral hygiene.
Gingivitis can be prevented and treated effectively at home by brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing the teeth after each meal. Gingivitis can progress into periodontal disease if it is not treated promptly. This is the stage at which plaque transforms into tartar and accumulates at the base of your teeth. This causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating an environment in which bacteria can thrive below the gum line.
Periodontal disease is a significant problem that can only be remedied by a qualified dental hygienist in its advanced stages. In addition to these more common causes, bleeding gums can also be a symptom of other health problems.
Why Do Gums Bleed?
If you have problems like bleeding gums, it could be a sign that your gumline is not being properly cared for and could use some additional attention. If you notice that your gums are bleeding, you do not need to freak out; however, you do need to act to assist in preventing the progression of gum disease to a more advanced form.
Plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth around the gumline or under the gums, is the most common cause of gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can also be called periodontitis. The bacteria that are found in plaque can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even the loss of teeth.
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis, an oral health condition that occurs when the plaque that is located along the gum line is not properly removed, is a common cause of bleeding gums. Gingivitis is a common reason why gums bleed. The initial stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis. In some cases, bleeding gums during brushing and flossing may be a symptom.
Other symptoms include redness, bad breath, receding gums, tender and swollen gums, and bad breath. Plaque buildup around the gum line can be the breeding ground for a wide variety of pathogenic bacteria, which can result in bleeding and sensitivity in the gums. Gingivitis can be stopped and even reversed if caught and treated early on.
2. Medications
Certain medications have been linked to an increased risk of gum sensitivity as well as gum bleeding. Medications that thin the blood, for example, reduce the ability of the blood to clot, which can increase the risk of bleeding at the gum line and elsewhere in the mouth. Other medications, such as aspirin, birth control pills, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and certain blood pressure medications, have also been shown to increase the likelihood of gum bleeding.
It is important that you inform your dentist about any new medications that you are taking, particularly if you notice that your gums bleed regularly. This enables the dentist to identify any issues or concerns regarding the patient’s oral health. Your dentist may also suggest modifying your oral hygiene routine to help reduce or stop the bleeding that is caused by the medication you are taking.
3. Incorrect Flossing
If you floss your teeth and your gums bleed for the first time after you’ve never had that problem before, it’s possible that the flossing itself was the culprit. You might have experienced some gum bleeding if you skipped flossing for a few days or if you increased the frequency with which you floss. After a few sessions of flossing, you should notice that the bleeding from your gums has stopped on its own. Make an appointment with your dentist if you notice that your gums bleed frequently or each time you floss.
If you floss and notice that your gums are bleeding, it could be a sign that your technique is off. To floss effectively, you should be sure to glide the floss when using a gentle rubbing motion, and you should also curve the floss into a “C” shape so that it can wrap around each tooth. You should try to avoid snapping the floss into your gums because this can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed.
4. New Toothbrush or Overly Vigorous Brushing
Additionally, a new type of toothbrush has been linked to bleeding gums. When you switch from a toothbrush with soft bristles to one with hard bristles, your gums may bleed as a warning sign that you should ease up on your brushing routine. The majority of dental professionals agree that a toothbrush with soft bristles is the best option for patients with gum disease. It’s also possible that you’re brushing your teeth too hard, which could cause bleeding gums.
Even though gums that are in good health should be able to tolerate a fairly vigorous brushing, you only need to scrub your teeth for a total of two minutes to ensure that they are clean. It is also a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. This is especially important if you begin to notice that the bristles on your toothbrush are frayed, as this can irritate the gums even more.
5. Habits of Poor Oral Hygiene
This information may come as a surprise to you, but gum bleeding can be caused by even a momentary lapse in otherwise excellent oral hygiene. By improving your daily oral hygiene habits, you can either prevent bleeding or stop it once it has started. Plaque can be avoided along with swollen gums and bleeding gums by brushing for a minimum of two minutes, a minimum of twice a day, and flossing once a day.
6. Poor Diet
Some of the components of processed foods can aggravate gum disease and lead to a slight loss of blood. Starchy foods, for example, tend to become lodged in between the teeth, where they eventually decompose into sugar and contribute to the formation of plaque. Consuming an excessive amount of foods that fall into this category can cause inflammation of the gums, bleeding, and an increase in tooth decay. Instead, go for options that are better for your health to help prevent this from happening.
A healthy diet is essential to maintaining good oral health and can help ensure that you are getting all of the vitamins and nutrients you require to shield your grin from the inside out. Fruits and vegetables, as well as foods rich in calcium, vitamins C and D, and magnesium, are all essential to keeping one’s teeth in healthy condition and should be consumed regularly. Be sure that you are getting the daily recommended amounts of these nutrients.
7. Stress
Your immune system will be weakened if you maintain a constant state of agitation and anxiety, making it more difficult to avoid a variety of health problems. Oral health issues such as bleeding gums and gum disease are examples of problems that can be caused by this. Inflammation can occur anywhere in the body as a result of stress, including in the gums, where it can make them more tender and swollen.
The healing process for bleeding gums can be further slowed down by inflammation, which can also cause soft tissues in your mouth to break down. Try to lower your levels of stress whenever it is possible.
8. Inaccurate Bite
When you bite down or grind your teeth, the wrong kind of pressure is applied to the wrong places, which can lead to a condition known as “bite disease.” If your teeth aren’t aligned properly, you run the risk of developing this condition. If your bite is out of alignment, it will not only affect your teeth but also the tissue and bone that support them.
If you apply pressure in the same area over and over again, the gums will recede, and the bone will deteriorate. This will create an environment that is conducive to gum disease and bleeding gums. You should discuss potential solutions for an unbalanced bite with your dentist.
9. Smoking
Vaping and smoking cigarettes both raise the risk for oral health problems, including gums that are more sensitive, diseased, and prone to bleeding. When gum bleeding begins, potentially harmful bacteria that have been trapped between the teeth and the gum line can enter the bloodstream. This can lead to additional dental health complications.
Talk to your dentist or doctor about other options or programs that can help you quit smoking if you are concerned about the impact that smoking or using an e-cigarette will have on your oral health.
10. Condition of One’s Health
Gums that bleed easily may be an early indicator of several other, more serious health conditions, such as diabetes, leukemia, or a vitamin deficiency. Diabetes, for example, may make it harder for your body to fight germs, putting you at an increased risk of getting infections that can cause bleeding, swollen gums, and even lead to oral health issues like gum disease.
Infections can put your oral health at risk. Diabetes can also lead to high blood sugar levels, which can make it more difficult for your body to recover from injuries. Gums that bleed easily are a common symptom of periodontal disease, but they can also be an indication of leukemia, a form of cancer that lowers the number of platelets in your blood. If your blood platelet count is low, your body will have a harder time controlling bleeding, including bleeding from your gums.
Another potential reason for bleeding gums is a vitamin deficiency, specifically in vitamin C or vitamin K. Your body can heal itself and your bones and teeth are strengthened thanks to vitamin C. A deficiency in vitamin C can make you feel weak and can lead to swollen and bleeding gums if left untreated. Because your body is unable to properly clot the blood, which can also be caused by a lack of vitamin K, your gums may bleed more easily than normal.
Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums
Gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, can frequently be remedied at home with good oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing. Even though the fact that you bleed while brushing might make you nervous, it is critical that you brush your teeth thoroughly with a toothbrush that has a small, soft-headed head.
Always make sure to brush your teeth twice daily, and floss at least once, preferably in between meals. If you chew sugar-free gum after meals, it can help remove any excess debris or plaque that has accumulated on your teeth and prevent gingivitis from developing.
How to Stop Gum Bleeding
There are a variety of things you can do to help improve the health of your mouth and prevent bleeding gums. Because gingival bleedings are almost always caused by insufficient plaque removal from the teeth at or around the gum line, beginning an effective oral hygiene routine is an excellent way to assist in the treatment of bleeding gums as well as a great way to help prevent bleeding gums in the future.
The following advice regarding oral hygiene will assist you in maintaining a healthy smile and will assist in the prevention or reduction of gum redness, soreness, and bleeding.
1. Brush Twice Daily
Plaque, which can cause gum disease and tooth decay, will be more effectively removed from your teeth if you brush for the full two minutes that your dentist recommends you do at each session.
2. Apply Anti-gingivitis Toothpaste to Your Teeth
If you have problems with bleeding gums, you should probably think about switching to sensitive toothpaste. It gets to the source of the problem and provides relief within a few days while also promoting healthier gums, as shown in clinical tests.
3. Daily Flossing
If you want to stop your gums from bleeding and keep your oral health in good shape, flossing is one of the most important things you can do. Plaque and food particles that may be just under the gumline are removed, which helps prevent gum problems such as bleeding and swelling.
4. Combine for the Best Outcomes
When it comes to maintaining the health of your mouth, gums, and teeth, using a combination of products yields the best results.
5. Eliminate Tobacco
All forms of tobacco can cause damage to your gums, as well as increase the likelihood that you will develop gum disease.
6. Regularly Consult a Dental Professional
The bacteria that cause gingivitis can also lead to other oral health problems, such as a weakening of the tooth enamel. When you visit your dentist twice a year for cleaning, they will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth that you are unable to remove on your own at home. This will assist in preventing bleeding gums and will maintain the health of your mouth.
7. Continually Live Healthily
The American Dental Association (ADA) suggests following a diet that is well-balanced and avoiding eating in between meals whenever possible. In addition, removing stress from your life is one of the best ways to prevent gum disease and maintain a healthy smile.
This symptom might be nothing more than a warning that you need to step up your oral hygiene routine, but it certainly could be. However, bleeding gums could be a sign of something more serious going on in the body. If you are concerned about bleeding gums, you should schedule an appointment with a dental hygienist or a dentist as soon as possible.