Everything You Need to Know About Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums is a common complaint that we see a lot in our clinic. Here patients’ gums bleed easily with a light touch of, for example, a toothbrush or interdental cleaners. Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed as easily while brushing.
The causes of bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can have many causes. In most cases, bleeding gums are a common symptom in the early stages of gum disease. Gum disease has varying severity. The mild form is gingivitis, and the moderate to severe form is known as periodontitis. Gingivitis is often caused by a poor oral hygiene routine. Other possible causes of bleeding gums include:
- A lack of proper nutrition (mineral deficiencies)
- Weakened immunity
- Smoking
- Chronic dry mouth
- Disease such as diabetes, Sjogren’s syndrome
- Hormonal changes
- Poor brushing technique
The consequences of bleeding gums
By not treating bleeding gums, the infection will continue to get worse. The plaque will stick to your teeth and dentin. This damages the gums, causing the teeth to become loose. In addition, the bacteria can affect the structure of the jawbone, which leads to periodontitis.
The symptoms of bleeding gums
The symptoms you experience depend on the cause of bleeding gums. Apart from the appearance of blood on the teeth or when you spit, other common symptoms include:
- Bad breath
- Swollen, tender gums
- Receding gums
- Metallic taste in the mouth
- Painful, sensitive gums
How to prevent bleeding gums
Preventing bleeding gums starts with adopting a good oral hygiene routine. We advise our patients to always brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. It is important that you brush your teeth with a gentle toothbrush that is suitable for your teeth. In addition, we recommend cleaning the space between the teeth by using dental floss or interdental brushes. Finally, you can add a mouthwash and tongue scraper to your brushing routine. All these steps ensure that plaque that has built up throughout the day is removed. Also,remember to avoid rinsing after brushing so the fluoride can adhere to the teeth.
Get affordable treatment for bleeding gums today
If you suffer from bleeding gums, it is important that you get treatment immediately. Ignoring bleeding gums can lead to serious gum disease and loss of teeth. Make an appointment at our clinic today to get a comprehensive oral exam to effectively diagnose and treat the root cause of your bleeding gums.
