What Causes Bleeding Gums

What Causes Bleeding Gums

The number one cause of bleeding gums is gum disease, typically resulting from poor oral hygiene. Bleeding gums is a rather common issue that many adult patients face and it is important to seek medical attention because bleeding gums disease can also be a symptom of an underlying medical issue such as certain cancers and diabetes or even a vitamin deficiency. They can also be a result of brushing too hard or wearing a denture that does not fit well. Let’s take a closer look at some of the causes of bleeding gums.

Gum Disease

Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is identified by inflammation and bleeding of the gum tissue and is often caused by excessive plaque buildup along the gum line. Every time you brush your teeth, you remove the plaque and bacteria that accumulates throughout the day and during sleep. Regular removal prevents plaque from calcifying into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and flossing, it has to be scraped off by a dental hygienist. Flossing daily gets all those little areas between your teeth and slightly below the gum line where your toothbrush cannot reach.

Minor damage to the gum tissue from gingivitis may be reversed with improved oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. Left untreated, gingivitis can rapidly progress into periodontitis which is a full blown infection of the gum tissue, jawbone, and underlying connective tissues.

Periodontitis can cause a great amount of damage that is not reversible unless you undergo extensive restorative treatments by dental specialists. Gum recession, bone loss, teeth mobility, and even tooth loss are all problems that can arise with periodontitis.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamins C and K each have a specific role in keeping our bodies healthy and functioning properly. Deficiencies in either or both of these can cause the gums to bleed easily and have difficulty repairing themselves. Vitamin C helps the body repair damage and vitamin K helps blood clot. If you are experiencing persistent gum bleeding but your dentist does not find any oral issues, you may need to speak with your primary care physician.

Other Factors

Pregnancy can cause gestational gingivitis and menopause can lead to bleeding gums in female patients. Fortunately, these issues typically resolve themselves once hormones are regulated either with supplements for menopause or giving birth.

Hemophilia and leukemia are blood disorders that can increase risk of bleeding gums. Additionally, gums might bleed more often if you take blood-thinner medications like aspirin, heparin, and warfarin.

Additionally, old dental work or dentures that are too tight can also cause bleeding gums. Your dentist can replace dental work where necessary and can also adjust or replace your dentures for a better fit.

Bleeding gums that persist longer than a couple of weeks may be a symptom of something more severe. Visit your dentist for an evaluation

Related: How to Get My Gums to Stop Bleeding