Bleeding gums is a serious problem. It indicates the beginning of a destructive process involving the supporting bone around the tooth or any systemic disease.
Signs of Bleeding Gums
- First of all, Gums are soft, spongy and swollen
- bleeding is first of all noticed while brushing or in the saliva
- Eating hard food can also cause bleeding from the gums
- bleeding gums can occur with or without pain
- pain if present is almost dull in nature
- And bad breath
Bleeding Gums causes
POOR ORAL HYGIENE
- The main cause of bleeding gums is plaque formation on the gum line. If left untreated it causes swelling of the gums and is known as Gingivitis. If this plaque is not removed and it hardens it will eventually cause the destruction of the underlying bone and is known as Periodontitis.
- Brushing too hard irritates the gums and causes bleeding. therefore, gentle pressure should be used while brushing and always use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
POOR TEETH ALIGNMENT AND POSITIONING
- Irregularly placed or crowded teeth can damage the cells in the gums resulting in bleeding, Also, it prevents the toothbrush to clean the entire tooth surface properly and finally leading to plaque formation and hence gum bleeding.
POORLY FITTING DENTURES
- poorly fitting dentures can also cause small wounds in the mouth. It also causes uneven bite which puts excess pressure on the jaw bones and the gum lines.
- Smoking leads to malnourished gums, and gums appear to be larger than usual. With continued smoking bleeding occurs while brushing the teeth.
- Stress not only affects your overall health it also affects your gums. And excess of stress can lead to bleeding gums.
- bleeding gums can also occur if a person is on blood thinning medication. It increases the clotting time of blood and hence resulting in easy bleeding.
- Some pregnant women experience bleeding gums, that is caused by the breakdown of the immune system. It is also known as pregnancy-induced Gingivitis. This problem probably gets away after childbirth. If pregnant women experience bleeding from gums, they should go for the regular dental checkup and should maintain good oral hygiene.
VITAMIN C DEFICIENCY
- Deficiency of vitamin c causes bleeding gums and also loose tooth. Fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, broccoli, citrus fruits, papaya, kiwi, berries and green leafy vegetables are a rich source of vitamin c.
VITAMIN K DEFICIENCY
- Vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting. Inadequate consumption of Vitamin K causes its deficiency. Green leafy vegetables, yoghurt, milk, cabbage, eggs, tomatoes and cauliflower are a rich source of Vitamin K.
BLEEDING GUMS TREATMENT
- REMOVAL OF THE CAUSE – Firstly, remove the cause of gum bleeding like if plaque formation is there go for cleaning of the tooth or if the denture is not fitting properly visit your dentist for adjustment, avoid stress, smoking and take a healthy diet.
- SCALING AND POLISHING- Scaling is a common dental treatment for the patient with gum bleeding. Dentist clean the plaque below the gum line.
HOME CARE FOR BLEEDING GUMS
- First of all, Brushing twice daily and with a soft-bristled toothbrush helps prevent plaque build up.
- Floss regularly and be sure to floss beyond the gum line to remove any remaining plaque or food debris.
- Also, Rinse with lukewarm water with a pinch of salt in it.
- Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash as it can cause dry mouth.
- Stop smoking and other tobacco-based products (if use).
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Avoid use of aspirin unless your doctor advises.
- Finally, visit your dentist every 6 months for a general check-up.
TYPES OF GUM PROBLEM
An early stage of disease
Most noteworthy Red, swollen, and bleeding gums
Usually reversible through good oral hygiene and preventive care
Certainly, not uncommon in young adults and even youth
Advanced stage of disease
Chronic inflammatory response leading to an irreversible destruction of tissues and bone that support the teeth
Treatment requires more aggressive surgical care and deep scaling and root planning.
Also known as gingival enlargement or gingival overgrowth
Size of the gums increases.
Caused by a number of factors like inflammatory conditions, and the side effects of certain medicines and/or associated with certain systemic diseases or conditions.
Treatment includes scaling and maintaining a good oral hygiene.
4. ACUTE NECROTISING ULCERATIVE GINGIVITIS
It is a painful infection of the gums.
Symptoms include acute pain, bleeding gums and bad breath.
It seems like punched out ulcers on the gums.
Treatment includes scaling and polishing, and also general debridement, improved oral hygiene, use of mouthwash and supportive care and sometimes oral antibiotics.