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Why are my gums bleeding

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on why gums bleed easily. The article provides the possible causes and remedies to this issue.

Do your gums bleed easily? It might be because of something simple, like using the wrong technique when you brush or floss. Or it could be a sign of a health condition you need to check out.

Common Causes

You may have bleeding gums if you:

  • Have gingivitis, a disease that causes inflammation of the gums
  • Brush too hard, or your toothbrush isn’t soft enough
  • Take certain medications, like blood thinners
  • Have inflamed gums because you’re pregnant (pregnancy gingivitis)
  • Have dentures that don’t fit well
  • Defective dental restorations

Gingivitis

Bleeding gums are a sign of gingivitis or inflammation of your gums. It’s a common and mild form of gum disease, and it’s caused by a buildup of plaque at your gum line.

If you have gingivitis, your gums may be irritated, red, and swollen. In addition, they may bleed when you brush your teeth.

You can get rid of this problem by taking good care of your teeth. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, rinse daily with an antibacterial mouthwash, and see your dentist regularly.

Periodontitis

Suppose you don’t take care of your gingivitis. In that case, it can lead to periodontal disease or periodontitis, a long-term gum condition that damages the tissue and bone that support your teeth.

If you have periodontitis, your gums may become inflamed and infected and pull away from the roots of your teeth.

When your gums bleed easily, it could signify periodontal disease. In addition, your teeth may get loose or separate. You could also get bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth.

If you don’t treat periodontal disease, you can lose some teeth.

Diabetes

Bleeding or swollen gums can be a warning sign of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

When you have this disease, your immunity is not perfect for fighting the bacteria, so you’re more likely to get infections like gum disease. In addition a diabetic person is more prone to getting bone level receded and losing all gum tissue fibre that holds the teeth in its place, so teeth mobility and gum receding will result over time.

Leukemia

Bleeding gums can be a sign of leukemia, a type of cancer.

Your blood platelets help your body stop bleeding. However, if you have leukemia, your platelet count is low. That makes it harder for you to stop bleeding in different body parts, including your gums.

Thrombocytopenia Blood Disorder

If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth and it doesn’t stop on its own, your gums may be irritated or have thrombocytopenia.

If you have this condition, your body may not have enough platelets to form a blood clot. That can lead to too much bleeding in different parts of your body, including your gums.
[1]

Ways To Stop Bleeding Gums

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Bleeding gums may be a sign of poor dental hygiene.

Gums become inflamed and bleed when there’s a plaque buildup along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that covers your teeth and gums. And if you don’t brush or floss enough, the bacteria can spread and cause tooth decay or gum disease.

Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss once a day to improve oral hygiene. Here are more tips for keeping your teeth healthy.

Good oral hygiene is essential for pregnant women. Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy can also trigger gum disease and bleeding gums.

Stop Smoking

In addition to heightening the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, smoking is linked to gum disease. Smoking is a significant cause of severe gum disease in the United States, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Smoking can lower your body’s immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off plaque bacteria. This can lead to gum disease.

Quitting smoking can help your gums heal and stop bleeding. Talk to your doctor about the best method to help you quit smoking.

Reduce Stress Level

One study suggests a link between periodontal disease and emotional stress. According to the researchers, emotional stress harms the immune system. This may result in weakening the body’s defences to the point where it can’t fight gum infection. However, more research is needed to determine the amount of stress that can trigger the onset of this disease.

It’s believed that emotional stress may also cause some people to neglect their oral health, contributing to the accumulation of plaque. Find out some of the things you can do to relieve stress.

Visit Your Dentist for Regular Checkups

Regular dental checkups and cleanings will help you maintain good oral health and catch and treat any problems before they become an issue.

Your dentist is also the only one that can genuinely remove that stubborn buildup on your teeth. Hardened plaque can’t be removed with a toothbrush and floss alone. To prevent decay or periodontal disease, your dentist will have to remove any top layer of the buildup to ensure it doesn’t develop into a more severe problem.

Conclusion:

We hope that this article has been helpful. Check back frequently for other oral health tips here at Apple Tree Dental.

Article compiled by AppleTreeDental.ca

Article Reference links:

[1]How to Stop Bleeding Gums: 10 Methods to Try – Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-bleeding-gums

Why are my Gums Bleeding?. https://drsikes.com/why-are-my-gums-bleeding/

How to Stop Bleeding Gums: 10 Methods to Try – Healthline.
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-bleeding-gums

10 Ways to Stop Bleeding GumsRELY DENTAL.
https://www.relydental.com/ways-stop-bleeding-gums/

Denture Cleaning Tips | Kreze Denture Clinic.
https://www.krezedenturecentre.ca/denture-care

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