Bleeding gums: Its causes, treatment and prevention

Most people have experienced or are experiencing bleeding gums. This mostly happens when brushing teeth, flossing or even chewing.  Some causes of bleeding gums include

1. Gum disease

Gum disease is the most common cause of bleeding gums. It is an inflammation of the gum line that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. At the very early stages, gum disease is referred to us gingivitis which can progress to periodontitis and even further to advanced periodontitis. It is caused by inadequate removal of plaque from the teeth. Plaque is a sticky, whitish film    attached to tooth surfaces, formed largely by the growth of bacteria that colonize teeth. Some signs and symptoms of gum disease include painless bleeding of the gums, reddening of the gums, bad breath or bad taste in the mouth and receding of the gums

2. Pregnancy

Women often experience on-set or increase in bleeding of the gums during pregnancy. This happens due to hormonal changes happening due the pregnancy. This is usually normal and should not cause any alarm and is expected to cease once the pregnancy period is over.

3. Trauma

The gum tissue is soft and sensitive and can get damaged by many types of injuries such as falls, accidents, taking beverages that are too hot and foreign bodies lodged into gums like toothpick splinters. Bleeding due to traumatic is usually to be painful and likely to cease once the place is healed. However, if not taken care of well it can become also become infected prolonging the healing time.

4. Vitamin C and K deficiency

A deficiency of vitamin c is known as scurvy a disease that results to breakdown of collagen. Vitamin K helps in clotting which naturally prevents our bodies from bleeding. A deficiency both of these vitamins can result to bleeding gums amongst other symptoms. These vitamins are usually obtained from fruits and vegetables.

 

5. Treatment and prevention of Gum disease

Bleeding gums should not be taken lightly even when it is painless as it may be a precursor of a more serious condition. A person experiencing this should where possible visit a dentist to get a detailed examination and treatment/professional advice as may be required. A timely visit will help reverse gingivitis and prevent periodontitis. However, here are some tips on how one can prevent or minimize the chances bleeding gums.

1. Oral hygiene is the best way to prevent bleeding gums. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day to reduce plaque formation and using antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria that cause gum disease. Flossing is also important to clean areas between teeth that can’t be reached by a tooth brush.
2. Use a soft tooth brush to avoid injuries to the gums.
3. Eating a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.

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