Have you ever noticed a little blood in your sink after brushing your teeth? You may have bleeding gums. It’s a common occurrence and there are various reasons why your gums might bleed. In most cases, it’s due to oral health-related issues. But, bleeding from your gums also indicates other health conditions such as hormone fluctuations, vitamin deficiency, or blood disorders. This blog will let you know the common reasons, why it matters, treatment, and what home remedies you can take to keep your gums healthy.
Bleeding Gums Causes
Bleeding gums are a sign that your gum line is not being cared for. There are several reasons for this to happen. The number one reason is the buildup of plaque at the gumline, which leads to a condition called gingivitis. Plague that remains and is not removed turns into tartar, which causes increased bleeding and an advanced form of gum and the jaw bone disease called periodontitis. But it can also be a symptom of other health conditions, which include:
- Smoking
- Hormone changes during pregnancy and menopause
- Vitamins C and K deficiency
- Blood thinners
- Pernicious anaemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Haemophilia
- Von Willebrand disease
- Oral herpes
- HIV/AIDS
- Stress
Also, people who wear dentures may experience bleeding gums if fitted tightly. Talk to your dentist about it. They will take new impressions to create better-fitting dentures.
| Did You Know? The bacteria in our mouths can be quite clingy. Dental plaque can form just four hours after brushing, which is why regular oral hygiene is crucial. |
Bleeding Gums Treatment
Bleeding of gums depends on the underlying cause. Your dentist may recommend this treatment if bleeding is due to gum disease:
- Antibiotics
- Tooth scaling and deep dental cleaning
- Reduce the size of pockets around the mouth
- Laser periodontal surgery
Also, if your gums are bleeding for no reason, then your dentist will do tests to determine the cause. They may do tests for diabetes, blood clotting disorders, and vitamin deficiency.
Bleeding Gums Treatment at Home
If you have bleeding gums when brushing and the symptoms don’t get better within two weeks, then you should make an appointment with a healthcare provider. There are some home remedies for bleeding gums that may work for you:
- Brush two or three times a day
- Floss every day
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater
- Use antibacterial mouthwash
- Stop smoking
- Eat a balanced diet and cut down on carbohydrates
| Expert Tip: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps rinse away food particles and keeps your mouth moist, reducing the risk of cavities and gum issues. |
Bleeding Gums and Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamins C and K deficiency can also cause your gums to bleed. Ask your dentist to check the levels of these vitamins in your body. Also, you need to follow a diet that has these vitamins. You should eat:
Food that has vitamin C, such as:
- Broccoli
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Capsicum
Food that has vitamin K, such as:
- Spinach
- Olive oil
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Mustard greens
- Soybean
- Canola oil
When Should You Worry About Bleeding Gums?
Bleeding gums can happen when you accidentally bite into something hard. However, this usually isn’t a cause for concern. But, if your gums are bleeding for no reason, then you could have gum disease or an underlying health condition. Also, if your gums bleed for more than two weeks and have symptoms like swollen gums or foul breath, then consultation with a healthcare expert should be done.
What to expect at the dental office?
When you visit a dentist for bleeding gums, they will first inspect your teeth and gums. They might ask you questions about your food habits, oral care routine, and any medicine you take. They may also order specific tests such as complete blood count tests and X-ray of teeth and jaw bone. This ensures you don’t have any underlying health condition that may be a cause of bleeding gums.
Conclusion
Bleeding gums are a risk to your oral health. They can lead to serious health issues such as gum disease if not correctly cared for. To ensure your gums are healthy, brush twice daily and floss. Avoid smoking and overeating carbohydrates and sugar items. Also, consult a healthcare provider if you think your gums are bleeding for no reason. You may have an underlying condition that you may not know about. Notably, gums are the foundation of a healthy mouth; if not properly cared for, it can affect your overall health.
