Bleeding gums is an indication of present or future disease of gums; however, persistent bleeding from gums could be indicative of serious medical conditions including leukemia and other bleeding disorders.
Bleeding gums may be due to insufficient removal of dental plaque from teeth at the gum line which causes inflammation of the gums (due to bacterial action) called as gingivitis.
Improper brushing or flossing may result in irritating or traumatizing gum tissues leading to bleeding gums.
Other causes for bleeding gums may be hard brushing, improperly fitting dentures, tooth or gum infection, use of blood thinning medications, hormonal changes during pregnancy, immuno compromised state, diseases like vitamin K deficiency, scurvy, bleeding disorders like idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura; diabetes, tobacco abuse, alcohol abuse, old age, poor nutrition and dry mouth.
Continuous or intermittent bleeding from the gums, bad mouth odor. Gums may be soft and tender, including palpable swelling and changed color of gums. Spotting or bleeding from gums after brushing or flossing.
Blood tests are done for complete blood count and differential blood count. X-ray of teeth and jaw bone may be taken to find out the extent of infection, if any.
The simple treatments are brushing teeth with soft bristle toothbrushes after every meal, rinsing with hydrogen peroxide, salt water or plain water is also helpful. Gum bleeding can be controlled by pressing them with a pad soaked in ice water. Flossing teeth twice a day is also helpful as it prevents plaque buildup.
Maintain a balanced healthy diet and avoid intermittent snacking. Go slow on consumption of carbohydrate rich foods.
Avoiding tobacco and avoiding alcohol containing mouthwash may subside the bleeding.
If bleeding is due to vitamin deficiency then vitamin supplements can be taken. Having properly fitted dentures helps in preventing gum bleeding.
If dental plaque is not removed effectively by regular brushing or even by dentists, it becomes hard and is known as tartar. The formation of tartar increases gum bleeding and can cause more advanced disease of gum and jawbone called as periodontitis. Periodontitis increases the risk of stroke and heart attack. Women with periodontiis may have pre-term delivery.
If the bleeding continues for a prolonged period of time and is persistent even after treatment or there are any other symptoms that accompany the bleeding then it is better to contact your health care provider.
