Why are my Gums Bleeding?

Bleeding gums can result from a number of other health conditions, and can also result from vigorous brushing of the teeth or even wearing dentures that don’t fit correctly.

The most common causes of bleeding gums include:

• Gingivitis – is an inflammation of the gums. Most people develop gingivitis due to a formation of plaques. Plaques are mostly made out of bacteria and debris that stick to the teeth. Regular brushing of the teeth will remove the plaques and prevent the formation of dental caries. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red and swollen gums, soreness in the mouth and around the gums as well as bleeding gums.
• Periodontitis – is an inflammation of the gingiva and the surrounding tissue, as well as the bones due to a progression of gingivitis. It can lead to a tooth decay and tooth loss.
• Vitamin deficiencies – like vitamin K deficiency and vitamin C deficiency can cause an easily bleeding of the gums. Vitamin deficiencies are more common in developing countries as well as among people who live in low standards.
• Pregnancy – bleeding gums in pregnant women are common due to the hormonal changes, which make the gums more sensitive.
• Hemophilia – is a hereditary bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of clotting factors. This medical condition impairs the body’s ability to control blood clotting, which is used to stop the bleeding when a blood vessel is damaged.
• The use of blood thinning medications – like heparin, aspirin or warfarin can lead to bleeding gums.
• Dentures – people who wear dentures which do not fit correctly can lead to bleeding of the gums due to a constant irritation of the gums. New dentures are often recommended for a better fitting.
• Leukemia – is a cancer of the white blood cells. Different types of leukemia are available and the disease can have an acute onset or it can be chronic. Signs and symptoms of leukemia include excessive sweating especially at night, weight loss, fatigue, weakness, painless and swollen lymph nodes, red spots on the skin, fever, chills, frequent infections, bleeding gums, etc.

Risk factors of bleeding gums include poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, clenching or grinding teeth, cigarette smoking, stress, as well as having other medical diseases that affect the overall health of your mouth and teeth.

Treatment options for bleeding gums

The first thing when managing the bleeding gums is a good dental hygiene. Regular dental check-ups at least twice a year are recommended in order to diagnose and treat on time any teeth problems. Regular brushing of the teeth followed by regular flossing will eliminate the plaques from the gum line, reducing this way the possibility of developing gingivitis, periodontitis and having bleeding gums. Soft brushes should be used, as vigorous brushing of the teeth can lead to bleeding of the gums.

A rinse of warm salt can help soothe the swollen gums that easily bleed.

If bleeding of the gums results from other medical conditions like vitamin deficiency, hemophilia or leukemia, their treatment can resolve this gum bleeding.