Bleeding Gums – Causes, Cancer, Treatment, Pregnancy, when Brushing or Flossing

Key Facts

• Bleeding gums are a common oral health issue, affecting a large proportion of the population
• This condition can range from mild bleeding when brushing to severe bleeding and discomfort
• Poor oral hygiene is a common cause, but several other factors may contribute
• It’s essential to address bleeding gums promptly to prevent complications such as gum disease
• Regular dental check-ups are crucial in managing and preventing bleeding gums

What Are Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums refer to a condition where the gums bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing. This condition may be accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, and tenderness of the gums. While occasional mild bleeding might not be a serious issue, consistent bleeding is usually a sign of underlying dental problems and should not be ignored.

Dental Conditions That Can Cause Bleeding Gums

• Gingivitis: Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums and is the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s usually caused by the buildup of plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on the teeth and gums. The accumulation of plaque irritates the gums, making them swollen, red, and prone to bleeding.
• Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In periodontitis, the inflammation extends deeper, affecting not just the gums but also the bones supporting the teeth. This can lead to the loosening of teeth and, in severe cases, tooth loss.
• Medication-Induced Gingival Overgrowth: Certain medications, including anticonvulsants, immunosuppressants, and calcium channel blockers, can cause an overgrowth of gum tissue. This overgrowth makes the gums more susceptible to irritation and bleeding.

Other Causes of Bleeding Gums

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Neglecting regular brushing and flossing leads to plaque buildup, which can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can make the gums more sensitive and prone to bleeding, known as “pregnancy gingivitis.”
• Blood-Thinning Medications: Medications that thin the blood can cause the gums to bleed more easily.
• Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, including blood disorders and diabetes, can cause or contribute to bleeding gums.
• Tobacco Use: Smoking or using other tobacco products can cause gum irritation and bleeding.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamin C and K can lead to bleeding gums. These vitamins are essential for gum health and blood clotting.
• Overly Aggressive Brushing or Flossing: Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or flossing too vigorously can cause the gums to bleed.

Managing and Preventing Bleeding Gums

The management and prevention of bleeding gums involve maintaining good oral hygiene and addressing any underlying dental or health issues. It’s important to brush and floss regularly, avoid tobacco, and have a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial for early detection and management of dental issues that may cause bleeding gums.
If bleeding is due to an underlying health issue or medication, working closely with a healthcare provider is necessary.

How do Healthcare Providers Treat Bleeding Gums?

Healthcare providers, including dentists and periodontists, assess the underlying cause of bleeding gums and formulate a treatment plan accordingly. Some of the common treatments include:

• Professional Cleaning: In cases where bleeding gums are caused by plaque and tartar buildup, a dentist will perform a professional cleaning to remove these substances from the teeth and gums.
• Scaling and Root Planing: For more advanced cases such as periodontitis, a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing may be performed. This involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the roots of the teeth.
• Medications: Depending on the severity and cause of the gum bleeding, various medications such as antibiotics, antiseptics, or prescription mouthwashes may be prescribed to manage infection and inflammation.
• Surgical Procedures: In severe cases, surgical procedures such as flap surgery, bone grafts, or gum grafts may be required to treat damaged gums and bone.

How to Stop Bleeding Gums at Home?

Here are a few steps you can take to alleviate bleeding gums at home:

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque from your teeth. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums.
• Use a Saltwater Rinse: Gargle with a saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) to help reduce inflammation and bleeding.
• Apply Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce gum swelling and bleeding.
• Avoid Tobacco Products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can worsen gum health, so it’s important to avoid these products.

What Happens if You Ignore Bleeding Gums?

Ignoring bleeding gums can lead to the progression of gum disease, causing the following:

• Receding Gums: The gums may pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that harbor bacteria.
• Loose Teeth: As gum disease progresses, the structures that support the teeth, including the bone, can be damaged, leading to loose teeth.
• Tooth Loss: In severe cases, the damage to the supporting structures of the teeth may lead to tooth loss.
• Systemic Health Issues: Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic health issues.

Can I Prevent My Gums from Bleeding in the First Place?

Yes, you can take steps to prevent bleeding gums:

• Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly and use an antiseptic mouthwash.
• Visit the Dentist Regularly: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for preventing gum disease.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet high in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C and K, can contribute to healthier gums.
• Avoid Tobacco Products: Tobacco is harmful to your gum health. If you smoke or use tobacco products, seek help to quit.
• Manage Underlying Health Conditions: If you have a health condition that affects your gums, such as diabetes, it’s important to manage it effectively.

In summary, it’s important to take bleeding gums seriously as it can be a sign of underlying gum disease. Maintaining good oral hygiene, having a balanced diet, and regular dental check-ups are key in preventing and managing bleeding gums.

When Should I See a Healthcare Provider?

You should consider seeing a healthcare provider or dentist in the following situations:

• Persistent Bleeding: If your gums bleed frequently, not just occasionally during brushing or flossing
• Changes in Gum Appearance: If you notice that your gums are red, swollen, or receding
• Pain or Discomfort: If you experience pain in your gums or teeth, or if chewing becomes painful
• Loose Teeth: If you notice that your teeth are loose or shifting position
• Bad Breath: If you have persistent bad breath despite maintaining good oral hygiene
• Changes in Fit of Dental Appliances: If you wear dentures or other dental appliances and notice a change in how they fit

It’s important not to ignore these signs as they could indicate gum disease or another oral health issue that requires attention.

What Deficiency Causes Bleeding Gums?

Vitamin C and vitamin K deficiencies are commonly associated with bleeding gums.

• Vitamin C Deficiency (Scurvy): Vitamin C is crucial for the health of the gums and other soft tissues. A deficiency can cause the gums to become swollen, spongy, and prone to bleeding.
• Vitamin K Deficiency: Vitamin K is important for blood clotting. A deficiency can lead to increased bleeding, including from the gums.

When Should I Worry About Bleeding Gums?

You should be concerned about bleeding gums if:

• The bleeding is persistent and occurs frequently
• You experience pain or swelling in the gums
• You have a foul taste in your mouth or bad breath that doesn’t go away
• The bleeding is accompanied by receding gums or loose teeth

These symptoms could be indicative of a more serious underlying issue such as periodontitis, which needs to be addressed promptly to prevent further complications.

How Long Can You Go with Bleeding Gums?

It is not advisable to ignore bleeding gums for any length of time. Even if the bleeding seems minor, it is a sign that something is not right with your gum health. The sooner you seek dental care, the better the outcome is likely to be. Allowing gum issues to go untreated can lead to progression of gum disease, which in turn can cause loss of teeth and has been linked to other health issues such as heart disease.

Bottom line

Bleeding gums can be a sign of underlying dental issues or other health problems. Maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental check-ups are essential in preventing and managing bleeding gums. If you experience persistent bleeding of the gums, it’s important to consult a dentist for proper evaluation and management.

This article is complete and was published on June 28, 2023, and last updated on August 25, 2023.