Bleeding gums can be a frustrating and worrying symptom. It can be especially bothersome if it occurs while brushing and flossing. Patients who experience bleeding from the gums should contact a dentist to determine the cause and start treatment.
While the sight of blood in the sink can be worrying, having bleeding gums does not have to be scary. In many cases the cause is treatable. Below are some of the most common causes and their treatments.
A deficiency of either vitamin C or K can make gums prone to bleeding. Patients can consult with a doctor to determine if this is the cause. To treat a vitamin deficiency, it is possible to take a supplement or adjust eating habits to include foods rich in vitamin C and K:
Patients can also ask a doctor for a more comprehensive list and diet plan.
Patients who feel that a dental appliance, such as dentures or retainers, are uncomfortable should check if the bleeding is being caused by the appliance. If aligners or dentures fit too tightly or rub in spots, a dentist can make a new mold or adjust them to improve the fit. Bleeding can also be caused by aggressive or overly frequent brushing. Patients should take care to treat sensitive gums gently when brushing, and may consider switching to a toothbrush with softer bristles. Dentists can also provide advice for proper brushing and flossing techniques.
Bleeding gums is one of the symptoms of gingivitis, a type of gum disease that occurs when too much plaque builds up on the gums and teeth. If plaque is allowed to harden, it forms tartar. The presence of tartar can cause gum soreness and bleeding.
If gingivitis goes untreated, it can develop into an infection called periodontitis, which has more severe consequences such as loose or rotted teeth. Patients who suspect they may have gum disease should contact a dentist, who can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan. In its early stages, gum disease can be prevented by twice yearly cleanings, daily brushing, flossing, and mouthwash.
Patients taking medications that are known to thin blood, like aspirin or warfarin, may experience bleeding gums as a result. Other conditions such as hemophilia and leukemia can also cause blood thinning and bleeding gums. It is important that patients consult with a doctor and dentist to determine the best course of action.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Gum Disease in Highland, UT
Bleeding gums can have several causes. In most cases the treatment is simple, such as using a softer toothbrush, refitting dental appliances, scheduling thorough teeth cleanings, or improving daily care. Depending on the cause, patients should ask a doctor and dentist to help prescribe the ideal treatment.
Request an appointment or call Lush Dental Co. at 801-326-4131 for an appointment in our Highland office.
Diabetes can wreak havoc on several aspects of a person’s health, including tooth and gum health, with a strong connection between diabetes and gum disease. Bleeding gums are one of the earliest signs of gum disease and should be an immediate cause for concern for any person who lives with either type 1 or type…
Bleeding gums are a hallmark sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Inflammation in your gums can cause them to appear red and puffy. Your gums may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth the way you normally do. You may have healthy gums and still develop gingivitis during pregnancy.…
Patients who notice their gums bleeding upon brushing, flossing, or even eating may initially panic. However, while bleeding gums often signify the beginnings of gingivitis, this inflammation and the resulting gum disease can be reversed with timely and targeted treatments if it is caught soon enough. It is important to investigate the cause of long-term…