How To Deal With My Bleeding Gums?

OMG bleeding gums! Are they common? Yes, they are very common. As per the American Academy Of Periodontology, 80% adult population reports some level of the periodontology. Surprisingly, just 10% of the sufferers are aware of it. This because, the symptoms may not show up until middle to late stages in many cases. Change your habits, and see your doctor to get rid of the bleeding gums. Read through to learn more in detail about the causes, treatment and remedies for bleeding gums.

What Are Bleeding Gums?

Inadequate plaque removal results in bleeding gums, as the plaque is full of germs that attack teeth and healthy tissues, thereby making them inflamed and bleed while brushing. It is the first stage of gum disease called Gingivitis, which usually is painless.

Other Main Causes of Bleeding Gums Include:

1. Oral hygiene:

Inadequate oral hygiene is the number one cause of bleeding gums. Taking care of your teeth as well as the regular professional cleaning is essential. If you are having teeth that have lined up irregularly and you have habits of chewing and grinding you are more prone to gum bleeding.

2. Diet:

To maintain a good oral health, go for fruit and vegetable servings, try getting in nutrients, anti-inflammatories, etc. Integrity of the entire immune system would be safeguarded with a good diet. Oral soft tissues, which are the most vulnerable in the body.

3. Genes:

If genetic markers for periodontal diseases run in your family, you have higher chances for gum diseases. DNA testing helps find out the genetic abnormalities.

4. Pregnancy:

Immunity during the pregnancy gets weak and causes several diseases including oral diseases like gum diseases.

5. Kissing and Sharing:

Well, gum diseases can be easily transferred from one person to another through the saliva. If you are involved in activities like drinking in the same cup, sharing utensils, kissing, etc. you may be prone to gum disease. Not always, sharing means caring!

6. Meddling Medicines:

Several medications also interfere with the blood flow causing several diseases like gum diseases, dry mouth, presence of plaque, and increased periodontal disease progression. Check with your doctor if this is one of the causes.

7. Smoking:

Toxins of cigarettes create inflammation besides decreased immune response. Chronic smokers are prone to enlarged and fibrous gums that are improperly nourished. Bleeding gums may lead to periodontal bacteria to invade bloodstream and cause inflammation in other body parts.

8. Stress:

Constant anxiety and agitation is not good for maintaining the immune system’s balance and leave to gum diseases too. It causes inflammation in the blood vessels.

Risk Factors For Bleeding Gums Include:

• Age: 50% adults over 30 years suffer gum disease, while 70% over 65 suffer from same.
• Medications: Some types of medications also cause gum bleeding.
• Stress: Stress is always associated with serious health conditions and may also cause periodontal disease. Besides, stress makes the body weak and do not allow the body to fight gems.
• Genetics: Heredity may be a reason to blame. Some time, it may run in the family.
• Others: Improper nutrition, poor hygiene, tobacco, grinding or clenching the teeth.

What Are The Symptoms Of Bleeding Gums?

The first and the only symptom is the bleeding gums. Some other symptoms include:

• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bad breath or bad taste
• Loose teeth

It is not wise to ignore bleeding gums as this condition can be treated and reversed at this stage. What happens when ignored?

The bleeding-gum condition occurs when:

• Plaque left unremoved encourages germs to separate and recede.
• Following which, pockets are formed between the gums and the teeth.
• These pockets can trap germs inside them.
• The trapped in germs attack the gums and the bone supporting the teeth.
• Eventually, plaque can get hardened into tartar. (Also read

This is the progressed stage known as Periodontitis that may lead to the loss of the teeth and affect your overall health. Hence it is imperative to see your dentist at the first sight of the bleeding gums. Get the condition evaluated and take the best treatment. In rare cases, it indicate more serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer.

Also, the sexual health of men can be linked to gum diseases.

Treatment For Bleeding Gums:

Bleeding gums require professional treatment. While periodontal surgery or tooth extraction were the methods of dealing with gum diseases earlier, non-surgical options have come to force these days. The cost of laser treatments are also much lesser than the traditional methods.

Home Remedies For Bleeding Gums:

1. Use an electric toothbrush as automatic brushes massage gums to stimulate the blood flow and release out toxins. Antibacterial toothpaste and mouth rinse helps. They help cut down on oral bacteria.
2. Water pick can be used for flossing or everyday vigilant flossing helps. Probiotic mints prevent tooth decay and improve teeth whitening. Floss at least once a day as well. Gums can sometimes stop bleeding with regular flossing.
3. Salt water is googling is a home remedy that dries up bacteria. Add other ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and baking soda that help destroy the bacteria. Saltwater can help soothe tissues irritate in the mouth.
4. Oil pulling: Oil pulling is the age-old practice that is good for oral health. It involves swishing oil in your mouth to treat conditions that range from diabetes and migraines.
5. Rinsing with essential oils and with some herbs and kitchen ingredients like cloves can help cut down inflammation and bacteria in the mouth.
6. Herbs like cinnamon bark, red thyme, peppermint, lavender oils, Eucalyptus globulus, calendula and echinacea.

Conclusion: If you see your gums bleeding while flossing or brushing your teeth, it is called the periodontal disease i.e. gum disease. See your dentist at the first sight of bleeding gums to stops the disease progression.

FAQs:

1. How to Stop Bleeding Gums After A Procedure?

A. To avoid or stop bleeding after a procedure, leave the gauze pad on the cut or the wound for an hour and apply constant pressure on the gauze pad by closing the teeth firmly.

2. Which Vitamin Deficiency Leads to Gum Disease?

A. Vitamin K and C are the vitamins that may lead to bleeding gums that aren’t caused by improper dental care.