Bleeding gums – causes
Are you wondering why your gums bleed when brushing? There are many reasons for this situation. One of the most common is poor oral hygiene. Poor tooth brushing technique and the selection of an inappropriate toothbrush may cause painful gum irritation. Plaque that is not removed accumulates around the gum line and in the tight spaces between teeth, eventually turning into tartar. The space between gums and teeth are an ideal place for bacteria to live, which leads to tooth decay.
Blood from the gums may also be the initial symptom of periodontitis. One of the main causes of periodontitis is bacteria living in the oral cavity, which adhere to the teeth and gums – initially in the form of bacterial plaque (sediment), and then in the form of tartar. The disease affects the gums and tissues around the teeth. As the disease progresses, tooth necks are exposed, and pathological gum pockets are formed. Lack of treatment leads to permanent tooth loss. Advanced periodontal disease increases the risk of systemic complications such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke and arthritis.
Swollen, tender and easily bleeding gums occur in case of vitamin deficiencies – especially vitamin C and vitamin K.
Gingival hypertrophy, swelling and bleeding also often occur when taking certain medications. The remedies include drugs for asthma, allergy, hypertension, epilepsy, depression, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Their regular use may lead to reduced saliva production and stomatitis.
It is also worth mentioning that the risk of inflammation and bleeding of gums increases in pregnant women, especially between the 14th and 30th week of pregnancy. The increase in sex hormones – estrogen and progesterone – may also affect the condition of the oral cavity and lead to the so-called pregnancy gingivitis. The disease affects approximately 35% of pregnant women. Some women experience swelling and overgrowth of the gums, which in extreme cases may result in the development of the so-called pregnancy tumor, i.e. a local inflammatory lesion that requires surgery. Gingivitis in the future mother may increase the risk of premature birth and low birth weight in the child. Researchers also observed a relationship between the condition of the mother's teeth and the health of the newborn after birth. Cariogenic processes during pregnancy influence the tendency to caries of deciduous and permanent teeth in offspring. Before a planned pregnancy, it is recommended to have a dental check-up and treat all teeth.
Bleeding gums can also be a sign of other serious conditions, such as:
- Anemia
- Diabetes
- Liver diseases
- Blood clotting disorders
- HIV/AIDS
Bleeding gums – treatment
If there is a suspicion that bleeding gums are the result of a disease such as periodontitis, we should see a dentist. After collecting a detailed interview, the dentist will decide the proper course of action. Periodontics is a branch of dentistry dealing with the treatment of pathologies of tissues surrounding teeth (bones, gums) and diseases of the oral mucosa. The treatment plan is always individually tailored to each patient. In the case of other diseases that increase the sensitivity of the tissues around the teeth and cause bleeding gums, therapy involves the treatment of systemic diseases.