What Causes Bleeding Gums?
Have you noticed recently that your gums are bleeding easily? Bleeding gums are more common than you think and may not be a cause for concern. However, gums that bleed regularly can also be a sign of an underlying problem. To determine the best approach to treating your bleeding gums, you need to start by identifying the cause. Below is more information on the many possible causes of bleeding gums and when you should be concerned.
The Causes of Bleeding Gums
The causes of bleeding gums range widely from something simple, like brushing too aggressively, to a serious health condition that may need immediate treatment. Here are some of the most common causes and other symptoms to look for to help you determine which may be responsible for your bleeding gums:
Improper daily hygiene: The most common cause of bleeding gums for most adults is poor daily hygiene habits. Many adults either brush their teeth too hard, use a toothbrush that is too firm, or have an improper flossing technique. The truth is that gum tissue is more sensitive than many people realize. Aggressive or vigorous brushing may damage this sensitive tissue. Additionally, adults with bleeding gums should consider switching to a soft or medium toothbrush. When you brush, you should use gentle, circular motions to clean the teeth. Daily flossing should involve using enough floss to switch to a clean section for each tooth and gently running the floss along the curve of the tooth.
Gum disease: When daily oral hygiene is not maintained, gum disease may develop from the buildup of plaque along the gum line. If you have the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, your gums may be tender, red, and inflamed. Gingivitis may cause the gums to bleed lightly when you brush your teeth. In many cases, gum disease can be stopped and reversed by taking good care of your teeth and improving your daily hygiene. If you are developing gum disease, you may also have bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, or a change in your bite.
Vitamin deficiency: There are several vitamins that play an important role in the health of your mouth. Vitamin C helps with tissue growth and repair and strengthens your teeth. If your diet doesn't have enough vitamin C, you may develop swollen and bleeding gums. Vitamin K is critical for your blood to clot properly. If your diet is deficient in vitamin K, it may cause bleeding problems.
Tobacco products: Cigarettes and tobacco products can cause significant damage to the mouth and gums and make it more difficult for the gums to heal. Smoking increases the risk for several gum problems, including sensitive gums that bleed often.
Hormones: For women, periods of hormone changes, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, all increase the risk of bleeding gums. This is because rising hormone levels can increase blood flow to the gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and tender.
If you have noticed recently that your gums are bleeding often, it may be worth scheduling a visit with your dentist to help identify the cause of the bleeding and determine the appropriate treatment.