What is bleeding gums?

Bleeding Gums is when the gums begin to bleed spontaneously or during some activity like brushing or eating fruit.

While bleeding gums may be considered normal, it can indicate some underlying conditions.

What causes bleeding gums?

• Trauma- If you brush vigorously or eat sharp-edged food that can injure your gums
• Plaque accumulation around the teeth due to inadequate oral hygiene can cause gingivitis, which is swelling of the gums, and periodontitis, which is swelling of the periodontal ligament that holds your teeth, causing bleeding of gums when irritated
• If your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth, you might shrug it off or think this is normal. But bleeding from the gums indicates an underlying problem.
• Vitamin C and Vitamin K deficiency can also cause gum bleeding
• Wearing dentures and orthodontic braces can also cause trauma due to trauma or irritation
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause can cause bleeding gums
• Bleeding disorders, Thalassemia, and Leukemia can also cause bleeding gums
• Increased stress, Smoking, and Tobacco Chewing also cause bleeding gums
• Mouth Ulcers caused by trauma or other health conditions
• Food Allergy/ Allergy to a particular toothpaste, etc., may also irritate and cause bleeding of gums.
• Bleeding Gums may also not necessarily be the gum bleeding; oral cancers can also bring about bleeding in the oral cavity

How to manage Bleeding Gums?

• Maintain good oral hygiene, practice plaque removal religiously
• Incorrect methods of brushing and flossing can also cause bleeding of the gums. We must follow the dentist’s recommended methods of brushing can ensure healthy oral health.
• Use hydrogen peroxide mouth wash to help fight inflammation
• Use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid irritating the inflamed gingiva
• Include Vitamin C-rich food in your diet will help with the bleeding
• Discontinue Smoking and try to manage any elevated stress through lifestyle changes
• Using Oral Irrigation devices on a low setting can help with the massages
• Applying direct cold compression pressure on the bleeding gums may provide symptomatic relief.
• Blood thinner medicines like aspirins must be avoided during this time it may the bleeding to aggravate. But medications must be changed or stopped only after consulting with the physician.
• If the bleeding gums is due to an ill-fitting oral device, it must be taken to the dentist for consideration

When to Visit the Dentist?

A dentist must be contacted if the bleeding gums exceeds more than a week. The dentist usually performs a routine CBC and radiological investigations to identify the reason for the bleeding gums and recommend the treatment accordingly. Login to MyDentalPlan to select the best dentist near you and start with your treatment at the earliest.

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About the Author:

Dr. Rituparna Dubey

Dr. Rituparna Dubey is a BDS graduate from MCODS, Manipal, and is currently pursuing her Masters in Hospital Administration from TISS, Mumbai. She has additionally worked as a freelance content curator with many clients before joining Accenture Operations as a Medical underwriter.

Special thanks to Dr Deepak Kulkarni, a dental surgeon with over 23 years of experience who proofread this blog. He graduated from the H.K.E's Dental College, Gulbarga, and has certifications in ACHS International Accreditation Education Plan; Advanced Rotary Endodontic - Restorative Continuum; and Leadership, Team Building and Customer Service Leadership from the Oscar Murphy International.