What causes bleeding gums It may be a warning sign of other health problems
Bleeding gums due to plaque buildup on the gum line. Bleeding gums are a normal part of the aging process. It may also be a symptom of other medical issues. Such as periodontal disease. Diabetes, oral cancer. Gums begin to lose their ability to protect your teeth as you age.
What causes bleeding gums
Dental care problems are the main cause of this phenomenon, including:
Brushing teeth too hard or wearing unsuitable dentures, defective restorationsgingitis and periodontitis make the gums sensitive and prone to bleeding just started flossing and my gums are not used to frequent bleeding gums can also be a symptom of other serious problems, including:
Taking certain medications such as anticoagulantspregnancy gingivitisdiabetic disease leukemia (leukemia), platelet deficiency vitamin deficiency inflammation of the gums
Most cases of gingivitis :
are caused by plaque remaining above the gum line for a long time. The composition of plaque includes food debris and bacteria that live in our oral cavity.
Plaque can build up on the gum line if you don't use the brush and floss properly. If the plaque is not removed, it can harden to form tartar (also known as tartar) which can bleed easily and cause gingivitis.
Symptoms of gingivitis include swelling of the gums, bleeding, and pain around the gums and in the oral cavity in general.
A periodontal disease
is a group of problems that can occur when gingivitis is left untreated and gets worse, which can include infections in the gums, jaw bones, and supporting tissues that connect teeth to gums.
Periodontitis can cause bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, crooked teeth when biting, and red, swollen, and painful gums. If this condition is severe, it can cause teeth to lose or fall out.
Diabetes mellitus:
Bleeding or swollen gums can be can serve as a red flag for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. This disease reduces the body's immunity, making it more susceptible to infection problems such as gum disease. High blood sugar levels with diabetes also make it difficult for wounds to heal, which contributes to the severity of the disease.
Leukemia and platelet deficiency:
Bleeding gums can be a sign of leukemia, a type of blood cancer. Hemostasis is significantly aided by the blood's platelets. For leukemia, the platelet count can be very low, which makes it difficult to stop bleeding in various parts of the body, including the gums.
Blood clotting disorder:
If you have bleeding gums or persistent bleeding from a small wound, this could be a sign of disorders such as hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease. These diseases occur when blood clotting factors are deficient, which makes the body prone to bleeding in many different places.
Blood clotting disorders can also be caused by taking medications that have anticoagulant effects (also called blood thinners). Drugs in this category include warfarin, aspirin, and heparin.
Lack of vitamins:
A lack of vitamin C and vitamin K can also make the gums more prone to bleeding. Vitamin C helps tissues grow, heals wounds, and strengthens bones and teeth. If the body is deficient in vitamin C, you may feel weak and uncomfortable, and if left for a long time, you may experience swollen gums and bleeding gums.
Vitamin K is necessary for the body to synthesize clotting factors and is also useful for bones. If you don't get enough vitamin K from your diet or if it's not well absorbed by your body, bleeding problems can develop.
Your doctor will check your vitamin C and K levels if you have bleeding gums that are not due to a lack of oral care. Follow a nutritious diet to ensure that your body always gets the vitamins it needs to promote good health.
Foods rich in vitamin C
include citrus fruits, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers, among others. Foods rich in vitamin K include watercress, kale, spinach, lettuce, mustard greens, soy, canola oil, olive oil, etc.
Other causes of bleeding gums:
People who sometimes wear dentures may experience bleeding gums, which usually occurs when the dentures put too much pressure on the gums. If you feel that dentures or other dental devices are the cause of bleeding gums, consult a dentist for advice and you may need a new mold to renew your dental devices. From.
Pregnancy is also considered one of the causes of bleeding gums. Pregnancy-related hormonal changes may increase gum sensitivity.
Home remedies to reduce bleeding gums
1. Use gauze to stop bleeding
As with bleeding from any other part of your body, you can stop the bleeding immediately by pressing a clean, damp gauze pad on the bleeding gums, squeezing gently, and holding it until the bleeding stops. People who are immunocompromised or have other medical conditions may find it difficult to stop the bleeding.
2. Apply ice
You can apply cold compresses, small ice packs, or an ice cube to the bleeding gums to combat swelling and temporarily stop the bleeding. Applying ice is especially helpful when you want to soothe minor mouth sores that cause swelling, such as cuts or abrasions. It can also help reduce pain and swelling caused by gingivitis. The ice application should last for 10 minutes and then rest for 10 minutes. If the gums continue to bleed, see your doctor immediately.
3. Use mouthwash
Antibacterial mouthwash helps treat and prevent bleeding gums by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation to relieve painful and bleeding gums.
Mouthwash can also treat and prevent gingivitis, a common cause of bleeding gums. Common active ingredients in mouthwashes include chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide.
A ready-to-use mouthwash should be purchased when the gums bleed unexpectedly.
4. Gargle with warm salt water
Saltwater can help reduce the number of bacteria and speed up the wound healing process. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), people can make homemade salt water mouthwash by mixing half a teaspoon of salt in about 240 ml of warm water.
The saltwater should be stirred all over the oral cavity to clean it and then spit out, repeat this several times a day or as directed by the dentist.
5. Apply turmeric powder
Turmeric has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Applying turmeric paste to the gums can improve the symptoms of gingivitis and bleeding gums. However, there is currently no reliable scientific evidence that turmeric works to treat gum disease or bleeding gums.
One small study compared the effects of curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, with the effects of chlorhexidine on Oral hygiene. The researchers found similar anti-inflammatory effects in people who took the two substances for 10 minutes a day, twice a day.
Turmeric is yellow, but it won't leave stains on your teeth if you rinse it off after you're done. Some people use turmeric as a tooth whitener, especially when combined with baking soda. However, there is currently no evidence of the effectiveness of this approach.
6. Use the right toothbrush
A hard toothbrush can hurt the gums. She recommends using a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes and twice a day, regular and electric toothbrushes are effective. Also, don't forget to change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or earlier if the bristles are worn out.
7. Daily flossing, but be gentle
When you first start flossing, you may experience bleeding because your gums are not used to this stimulation. But only after a few days of proper and regular use, the bleeding will stop. Flossing regularly improves the overall health of the gums and reduces bleeding over time.
8. No smoking allowed
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is the leading cause of gum disease. Smoking destroys the immune system and limits the natural ability to fight bacteria that stick to the gums. When the gums are already damaged, smoking will make it difficult for the wound to heal.
Quitting smoking benefits the whole body and significantly improves oral health. Current smokers often notice a rapid improvement in oral health after stopping smoking.
9. Skip the processed and sugary meals.
Regularly eating processed starchy foods such as white bread, cakes, biscuits, and potato chips can contribute to gingivitis and bleeding gums. Starchy foods can stick to teeth and gums, then break down into sugars and lead to gingivitis, bleeding, and the risk of tooth decay.
10. Eat more vegetables
Crispy vegetables such as celery and carrots can help clean teeth and remove plaque after meals. They are also very low in sugar and carbohydrates, so they do not cause tooth decay or gum problems.
Green vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce, and spinach are excellent sources of many nutrients, including vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting.
When to see the dentist
You should see your dentist if you notice changes in your teeth, gums, or mouth. Irregular bleeding is usually not an emergency, but if it recurs, see your doctor immediately.
Frequent painful, red, or bleeding gums are warning signs of danger. If these problems persist despite good oral hygiene, the dentist can check to see if you have early gum disease or other problems.
Regular dental check-ups can help detect dental diseases in their early stages, preventing them from becoming more serious. Gum disease, if left untreated, can lead to infection and tooth loss. The dentist can also take care of your overall oral health and detect more serious problems, such as the early stages of oral cancer.
How to treat bleeding gums
Your dentist will examine you for dental problems and advise you on proper hygiene. Brushing and flossing can help remove plaque above the gum line, reducing the risk of gum disease.
A dentist can help treat gum disease, especially in its early stages. If bleeding gums are caused by diabetes, the patient will be taught how to control blood sugar, adopt a healthy lifestyle and undergo regular check-ups.
If the cause is a blood clotting disorder, the doctor will prescribe medications and other treatments if necessary.
How to prevent bleeding gums
Good oral hygiene is the first step to controlling bleeding gums. It is best to visit your dentist twice a year for thorough and professional cleaning. The best way to avoid bleeding gums is to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent diseases that cause this condition by:
Maintain appropriate oral hygiene practices by brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing once daily. Periodic dental examination for cleaning teeth and removing the tartar. A general examination to check for health problems that can contribute to gum disease, such as diabetes. Don't smoke, if you are, try to quit smoking. Follow a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, and limit processed foods and foods with added sugars.
Summary
Bleeding gums is a common symptom of dental problems, but it can also be a sign of several other systemic conditions. See your dentist as soon as you feel that your gums are unusually prone to bleeding.