Why do gums bleed?

Although bleeding gums can be caused by a serious condition of the oral cavity, it is often considered normal by patients. Approximately 90% of the population is or has been at some time experiencing bleeding gums. Healthy gums have a firm consistency, are well attached to the tooth, are pink in color and do not bleed when brushing, flossing or showering.

Sometimes, the gums may bleed after an injury from a hard food, in which case the bleeding will only last a few days. But if your gums are still bleeding and your gums are becoming painful, this may be a sign of a more serious condition.

Gum bleeding causes

Bleeding gums can be caused by:

• Periodontal diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis, popularly known as periodontitis. Bleeding gums caused by plaque build-up maintain a continuous inflammatory process in the oral cavity. When plaque is not removed, the gums become swollen, red and bleeding. They may bleed when chewing, brushing or spontaneously. These symptoms correspond to the initial stage of periodontal disease: gingivitis. If the condition is not treated in time, it will progress to periodontitis and tooth loss. The sooner treatment is carried out, the more gum and bone tissue can be preserved and complications and side effects can be avoided. With today's technology, using special dental lasers, periodontal disease can be treated quickly and painlessly. If intervened at the gingivitis stage, the first stage of periodontal disease, the process is completely reversible;
• Vitamin deficiency due to an unbalanced diet, weight loss diets with very low number of calories per day, after certain drug treatments or following a diet in which few raw, fresh fruits/vegetables are consumed. Vitamin K and vitamin C deficiency leads to bleeding gums;
• Brushing incorrectly, brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles;
• Flossing incorrectly or applying excessive pressure. Floss should be inserted between the teeth, carefully moving back and forth;
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus;
• Liver and kidney disease, clotting factor deficiencies, hemophilia;
• Diabetes: patients with diabetes have a reduced ability to cope with infections, including gum infections;
• Leukemia: leukemia cells are increased in the bone marrow, thus decreasing the number of platelets. Platelets in the blood help the body to stop bleeding, so leukemia causes things like bruising or bleeding gums;
• Hormonal changes due to pregnancy. If proper treatment is applied and the patient follows an adequate oral cavity care routine, pregnancy gingivitis is reversible;
• An infection of the teeth or gums;
• Dentures/prosthetic work such as dental bridges, which are incorrectly fitted and irritate the lining of the oral cavity;
• Trauma caused by hot food or drink or chemicals;
• Anticonvulsant drugs that are used to treat epilepsy;
• Smoking or chewing tobacco.

Treatment for bleeding gums

It is best to make an appointment with your dentist when you notice bleeding gums for no reason. Following a careful examination of your teeth and gums and after analyzing the X-rays of your jaw, the doctor will make a diagnosis and indicate an appropriate treatment. If necessary, specific blood tests such as coagulation time, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, clotting factors, calcium, urea, creatinine, hemoglobin concentration may also be recommended. However, to avoid an acute painful episode, it is best for the patient to go for a routine check-up and professional hygienization by the dentist every 6 months.