Bleeding gums can be a sign of severe oral health problems, and you should not take it lightly.
Gums begin to bleed when they become irritated or inflamed.
Several factors may cause your gums to bleed, ranging from poor oral hygiene to underlying medical conditions.
Understanding the causes of bleeding gums and the steps you can take to avoid them is essential.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
The most common cause of bleeding gums is poor oral hygiene and inflammation caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gums.
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on the teeth, and when it is not removed by brushing and flossing, the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed.
This inflammation is known as gingivitis.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a severe condition that can cause tooth loss and other dental and medical problems.
Other causes of bleeding gums include:
- Brushing too hard using a hard-bristled toothbrush
- Use of tobacco products
- Nutritional deficiencies, e.g., vitamin K
- Pregnancy
- Certain medications and medical conditions, such as leukemia and HIV.
Treatment of Bleeding Gums
If your gums are bleeding, don’t get tense. There are measures that you can take to treat bleeding gums.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the first step towards treating and managing your bleeding gums.
You should learn to brush and floss your teeth properly to avoid the formation of plaque that may lead to gum diseases.
Avoid using a stiff brush and brush your teeth softly not to injure your gums, leading to gingivitis.
Use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once or twice a day to rinse your mouth after meals.
Visit your dentist or oral surgeon at least twice a year for professional cleaning of teeth.
