Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

Most adult patients will experience bleeding in their gum tissue at some point, but it usually resolves on its own with a little extra care in the oral hygiene department. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, so if you are experiencing bleeding frequently, it is a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.

Why are my gums bleeding?

While it is not always a serious issue, it is important to get to the bottom of why you are experiencing bleeding in your gum tissue. Let’s take a closer look at some reasons why you may be experiencing bleeding gums.

Oral Hygiene

One of the most common causes of bleeding is poor oral hygiene. Oral hygiene can really make or break the health of your mouth, so it is important to maintain a good oral care routine at home and to see your dentist regularly to prevent problems down the road.

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is identified by tender, swollen gums, tissue that bleeds when you brush and floss. Gingivitis is easily resolved with improved oral hygiene and does not cause any lasting damage, but, left untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a more severe stage of gum disease. At this point, damage to the gum, tissue, bone structure, and tooth loss are all at a higher risk. When the gum tissue is infected with bacteria and tartar buildup, the tissue begins to recede from the tooth surface, exposing the roots. If you still do not receive treatment, gum disease will progress further to advanced periodontitis.

Once gum disease reaches the stage of advanced periodontitis, bone loss is inevitable, and the patient runs a risk of losing teeth. Our gums protect the underlying structures of our teeth, so it is important to keep them healthy.

Other Medical Conditions

There are some conditions that can make it difficult for the body to fight off infection, making some more susceptible to gum disease. Diabetes and some cancers, like leukemia, may have bleeding gums as a symptom.

Vitamin deficiency can actually cause bleeding gums as well. Vitamin C is important for tissue repair, and vitamin K is vital to the clotting process. Together, they help the body stop bleeding and repair damage on its own.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy gingivitis is a very common occurrence, and while it can be challenging to deal with gum issues along with a pregnancy, it usually resolves itself after birth.

Other Causes

Additional causes of bleeding gums include aggressive brushing, old dental work, medications, such as blood thinners, and flossing.

Flossing only causes bleeding in the gums when you are not in the habit of flossing regularly. Patients who are new to flossing are likely to experience some degree of bleeding and tenderness, but once their gum tissue improves, the bleeding and inflammation will subside.

Minor bleeding on occasion is completely normal and should clear up on its own, but patient who consistently experience bleeding gums should have an evaluation by their dentist as soon as possible.

Related Article: What Causes Bleeding Gums?