Are Bleeding Gums Serious?

Bleeding gum tissue is something that everyone experiences every once in a while and is not usually a serious issue. Occasional, minor bleeding can be treated at home on your own, but more severe or persistent bleeding should be addressed by your dentist. If you notice a pink tinge when you rinse after flossing, you may have simply irritated your gum tissue. In this instance, bleeding gums are not serious. That said, there are times when bleeding gums can be a serious problem that needs to be addressed by your dentist as soon as possible before further damage can occur.

Are bleeding gums serious?

There are a few reasons that people experience bleeding in their gum tissue. The most common problem is poor oral hygiene, but certain medications and gum disease can cause bleeding and inflammation. If it is determined that you are experiencing bleeding gums because of medication, you may be able to speak with your doctor to see if there is an alternative. Any bleeding that persists for more than a couple of weeks needs to be addressed by your dentist.

Bleeding gums caused by periodontal disease are more serious and should be treated as such.

Left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease and is indicated by swollen gum tissue. Gingivitis is easily treated and does not cause any lasting damage, but it is important to have it addressed as soon as possible, which is why persistent bleeding gums should never be ignored.

If gingivitis remains untreated, it will progress to advanced periodontitis, at which point the gum tissue will not only be inflamed but will also begin to recede from the surface of your teeth. When the roots become exposed, patients experience painful sensitivity and may require a gum graft to repair the damage.

When advanced periodontitis is not treated, there is a risk of bone loss, which will eventually cause tooth loss.

What else causes bleeding gums?

Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and some cancers, can cause bleeding in the gums. Patients with diabetes have a harder time fighting off infection, which makes them at higher risk for gum disease.

Additionally, bleeding gums is actually a symptom of certain cancers like leukemia. Leukemia causes a low platelet count, which is what enables the body to create a clot to stop bleeding naturally.

Pregnancy can actually cause gingivitis, and it is quite common. Pregnancy gingivitis usually resolves after birth.

Using a toothbrush that is too hard or brushing aggressively with a soft-bristle toothbrush can cause your gums to bleed. Flossing is also known to cause bleeding in the gum tissue, especially if you are not a regular flosser. It can be hard to create a habit when starting the habit makes you bleed, but if you keep it up, the bleeding will stop, and your gums will be healthier!

So, while occasional, minor bleeding is nothing to worry about, persistent bleeding in the gum tissue can have detrimental results. If you experience bleeding that lasts longer than a couple of weeks, see your dentist for an evaluation as soon as possible.

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