Bleeding gums are not to be taken lightly, as they could signify the beginning of a more significant dental concern. Feeling shocked and uneasy when your gums start bleeding is natural, given the uncomfortable experience it often brings. This discomfort could point towards underlying issues that require addressing without delay.
It’s important to recognize that bleeding gums are more than just a minor inconvenience; they could be an indication that something is off with your oral health. If you have been experiencing bleeding gums for long, this blog is just for you. Here, we will highlight the causes of bleeding gums and what you can do about it.
Don’t ignore bleeding gums! Contact us to book your consultation.
5 Major Causes Of Bleeding Gums In Adults And Kids
Gum can bleed regardless of the age of a person. Some reasons for bleeding gums are discussed below:
1. Poor Oral Hygiene
The most common reason why gums bleed is poor oral hygiene. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, your teeth have plaque buildup. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria accumulating on your teeth when you do not maintain good oral hygiene. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar.
Tartar can irritate your gums and lead to inflammation and bleeding. Once plaque turns into tartar, removing it becomes much more challenging without professional cleaning. So, it becomes essential to see your dentist to address these issues at the earliest.
Lack of proper brushing and flossing can also cause gingivitis, that is inflammation of the gums, the initial stage of gum disease. Gingivitis makes your gums more prone to bleeding.
2. Aggressive Brushing Or Flossing
Another common cause of bleeding gums in adults is aggressive brushing or flossing. Of course, maintaining your oral hygiene is crucial. But how you maintain it is just as important. If you get into aggressive brushing or flossing, it will do you more harm than good.
For example, brushing your teeth too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles might damage your delicate gum tissues and cause bleeding. So, you must use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush your teeth in gentle circular motions to clean them. Brushing your teeth in such a manner will not harm your gums.
3. Vitamin Deficiencies
We have often heard our elders stress the importance of a balanced diet. A nutrient-rich diet can help your body stay in the best of its health. For instance, vitamins play a significant role in maintaining healthy gums. If you have any type of vitamin deficiency, you might experience issues in your dental health.
Vitamin C is important for the repair and growth of tissues; Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. If your body is deficient in these vitamins, you might develop gum problems. These vitamins are crucial in strengthening your gums and decreasing instances of bleeding. Vitamins support your body in its struggle to maintain healthy gums.
4. Hormonal Changes
Very often, hormonal fluctuations can also impact gum health. The problem of bleeding gums due to hormonal changes is more common in women. For example, gingivitis is a common condition in pregnancy that results in increased blood flow in the body. Pregnancy can be one of the common causes of gingival bleeding. During this time, the body undergoes several hormonal changes that can cause inflamed gums during pregnancy.
Bleeding gums are also common during menstruation and menopause. These situations can lead to sensitive and bleeding gums. So, you should pay extra attention to your oral health during these times.
5. Medical Conditions and Medications
Certain medical conditions and medications can increase the likelihood of bleeding gums. There is a significant connection between oral health and overall health that most people do not know.
For example, diabetes can impair the blood flow and immune responses. These medical situations can make the gums more susceptible to infections and bleeding. People who experience blood disorders like haemophilia are also at risk of developing gum diseases. Haemophilia can affect clotting and cause prolonged bleeding.
Also, there are certain medications like blood thinners and antihypertensives that can cause or exacerbate bleeding gums. These medical conditions can affect the body’s ability to clot blood effectively.
If your medical conditions and medications are the top causes of bleeding gums, you can opt for gum disease treatment in Andheri West.
How To Stop Bleeding Gums – A Few Tips
Here are a few tips to help you stop bleeding gums.
- Follow proper oral hygiene practices to help prevent and treat bleeding gums.
- Opt for a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean in gentle circular motions to avoid damaging your gums.
- You must floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and the gum line.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins to improve your gum health.
- Opt for Vitamin-rich food like citrus fruits, leafy greens, and other foods to strengthen your gums.
- Make it a point to see your dentist regularly. Regular dental visits can help catch and treat your gum problems early. For additional guidance, you can visit a dental clinic in Andheri West.
- You can also opt for professional cleanings for dental issues you cannot eliminate at home, reducing gum irritation and bleeding.
Here are some tips for healthy gums and teeth.
Don’t ignore bleeding gums! Contact us to book your consultation.
Conclusion
Bleeding gums often indicate an underlying issue that needs immediate attention. If you understand the causes of bleeding gums, you can take corrective action to eliminate this issue. Make sure that you work on maintaining your oral hygiene and avoid aggressive brushing. The tips mentioned above will help you prevent and manage bleeding gums.
If you are still wondering how to stop bleeding gums, feel free to contact us. Our experienced professional can guide you in maintaining your dental health and avoiding the risk of gingivitis, bleeding gums, and many other dental issues.
FAQ’s
Some possible causes include gum disease, excessively vigorous brushing, vitamin deficiency - particularly vitamin C, hormonal fluctuations, and medication. Bleeding of the gums may also be caused by poor oral hygiene and dental trauma.
Poor oral hygiene can cause a build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth and gums. This build-up can irritate the gum tissue, causing inflammation and bleeding. You should brush and floss regularly to prevent gum disease and bleeding.
Yes, if the gum disease is left untreated. The initial stage is gingivitis, which can progress to periodontitis, leading to some bad health problems and even tooth loss. Therefore, it is very important to treat gum disease early to prevent severe outcomes.
Yes, certain foods and habits can increase the likelihood of bleeding gums. These include smoking, chewing tobacco, and lacking several essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin C. You can prevent bleeding gums by avoiding bad habits and having a well-balanced diet.
Yes, hormonal changes as experienced in pregnancy, menstruation or menopause can affect the gums and cause them to bleed. Hormonal changes also increase gum sensitivity and inflammation.
To prevent bleeding gums, you should have good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing their teeth regularly and seeing a dentist for regular checkups. Along with that, you should eat well and avoid smoking.
Dr. Nikhil Vashi
Dr. Nikhil Vashi, an esteemed Orthodontist with over three decades of experience, earned his MDS in Orthodontics from Nair Hospital Dental College, Bombay University, in 1985. He achieved the title of Diplomate of the Indian Board of Orthodontics (D.I.B.O.) in 2000 and specialises in enhancing smiles through comprehensive dental care in Mumbai.
