Are Bleeding Gums Serious? 5 Common Causes and What to Do

Are bleeding gums really that serious?

Have you noticed your gums bleeding recently? Bleeding gums is a relatively common dental issue that can arise from a range of different causes. Most of these causes have straightforward remedies, but it’s important you see your dentist sooner rather than later because it’s often a sign of gum disease.

1. Brushing Technique

Healthy gums are strong and resilient, but that doesn’t mean they can stand up to everything. Your brushing technique could be behind your gums bleeding if you brush too aggressively or are using the wrong technique.

You should brush in a circular motion rather than back and forth. Also, consider the type of toothbrush you’re using. The bristles could be too hard or firm. Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush might be just what you need to relieve your bleeding gums.

2. Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common dental issue that progresses through different stages of severity. The earliest stage is gingivitis, which could be behind your gums bleeding. Gingivitis means “inflammation of the gingiva” (gums) and is caused by a buildup of bacteria in and around the gumline.

This type of bacteria is responsible for tooth decay and is present in every mouth. Poor oral hygiene and other factors can cause the bacteria to grow in greater numbers, which leads to gingivitis. You may experience gum that are swollen or bleed, along with the hallmark bad breath (halitosis) associated with gingivitis.

While these symptoms may seem mild, gum disease can continue to progress to infect the gums. Periodontitis is the later stage of gum disease and can cause more serious symptoms—eventually leading to tooth loss. Seeking out treatment today can help reverse your gingivitis and prevent escalation to periodontitis.

3. The Pregnancy Factor

Pregnant women routinely find themselves experiencing gums that bleed due to a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis. Hormones can change rapidly during pregnancy, causing the gums to become more susceptible to bacteria.

Pregnancy gingivitis is very common, and the gums generally return to normal after pregnancy. Maintaining proper oral hygiene can help prevent gingivitis from advancing or continuing after pregnancy. See your dentist about any bleeding of the gums.

4. Ill-Fitting Dentures

Dentures provide countless people with improved quality of life by allowing for more natural eating and speaking. However, ill-fitting dentures can cause a wide range of issues, including gums bleeding.

If your dentures are too tight or too loose, they can cause irritation to your gums. Eventually, this can lead to inflammation and bleeding. This is also the case for older dentures, which deform over time and need to be replaced.

5. Certain Medical Conditions

A variety of medical conditions can contribute to gums bleeding. Gums that are swollen or bleeding are common in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and are often cited as an important warning sign for these conditions. In general, hemophilia and other conditions that cause increased bleeding can also cause gums to bleed.

Leukemia can cause bleeding gums due to reduced blood platelet count. This makes it more difficult for any source of bleeding to close and heal. Some other clotting disorders can contribute to bleeding gums as well.

In other cases, medication for medical conditions can cause your gums to bleed more easily. This is particularly true of blood-thinning medications for heart disease and other conditions.

Other Potential Causes

Diet plays an important role in your overall oral health. Your dietary intake of vitamin C and vitamin K is of particular importance. Vitamin C contributes to bone and teeth health and helps wounds heal. A severe vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, with gums bleeding being a common symptom.

Vitamin K is vital for proper blood clot formation, so you could experience excess bleeding if you aren’t getting enough. It’s also essential to healthy bones and teeth.

If you’ve recently started flossing after leaving it out of your routine for some time, this could cause bleeding. Your gums may not be used to flossing, but this issue should go away as they adjust.

What You Can Do About Bleeding Gums

You should never disregard gums that are bleeding and simply hope for the best. Instead, you should reach out to your dentist to discuss what could be wrong. The good news is that the most common cause of bleeding gums, the beginning of gingivitis, is easily reversible with proper treatment and consistent brushing and flossing.

First Dental Associates can answer your questions.

If you’re concerned about your gums bleeding or any other dental issues, First Dental Associates can help. You can receive the care you need from a trusted dentist in Reading, MA, to ensure your comfort and long-term oral health. Reach out today to schedule your appointment.