About this topic
Having gums that bleed is a common problem. There are many things that may cause your gums to bleed. Most often, the bleeding stops quickly and is not a serious problem. If your gums bleed often, or the bleeding is causing you to worry, talk to your doctor or dentist. Good teeth and mouth care may help prevent or lessen this problem. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What are the causes?
- Your gums may be irritated by plaque or tartar. Plaque is a sticky material made of germs and tiny bits of food. It is all throughout your mouth. You should brush and floss to get rid of plaque. If you dont get rid of it, plaque can become a hard deposit called tartar or calculus. You may need to have a dentist clean your teeth to remove the tartar. If plaque and tartar build up in your mouth, your gums become red, swollen, and are more likely to bleed. When your gums bleed, it is also known as gingivitis.
- Brushing the wrong way may cause you to leave plaque on your teeth. This can then cause your gums to bleed.
- Your gums may bleed for a short time after you start a new flossing routine. Your gums will likely bleed less as your flossing routine becomes more regular.
- Pregnancy may cause you to have swollen and tender gums that are likely to bleed. This is called pregnancy gingivitis.
- Certain drugs, like blood thinners, may make you more likely to have bleeding gums.
What can make this more likely to happen?
- Causes from lifestyle choices:
- Poor mouth care
- Smoking or using tobacco
- Stress
- Causes you may not have control over:
- Mouth problems like crooked teeth
- Bad fillings or bridges that no longer fit right
- Taking drugs that cause dry mouth or inflammation of the gum tissue
- Diseases like diabetes and heart disease or those that give you a weak immune system, like HIV
- Hormone changes from pregnancy or taking birth control pills
What are the main signs?
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Bad breath or bad taste in mouth
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your dentist will do an exam of your mouth. Your dentist will use a special tool in between the gums and teeth to check for bleeding. The dentist will also look to see if there is any swelling along your gums. Your dentist may order x-rays of your teeth. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Sometimes, taking extra care when you brush and floss your teeth at home is all that you need to do. Other times, you may need to have your dentist clean your teeth and do a checkup. ‚
What problems could happen?
If the condition is left untreated: ‚
- Loose teeth or loss of teeth
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis or bone loss
- Ongoing bad breath
- Tooth infections
- Pain in your mouth
- More bleeding in your mouth
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times each day to get rid of plaque. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Try using an electric toothbrush to remove plaque from the teeth. It may work better in hard to reach places than a regular toothbrush.
- Floss each day. Use regular floss or dental picks. Ask your dentist which tools will work best for you.
- See your dentist 1 to 2 times each year for a professional cleaning and check-up. You may need to go more often if you are having problems. People with gum disease may also need to go more often or see a specialist called a periodontist.
- Eat a healthy diet. Avoid sugary foods, drinks, and sodas. Limit snacking. If you do snack, make healthy choices such as low-fat dairy products or vegetables.
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products. If you do smoke, talk with your dentist about trying to quit.
- Take extra care of your teeth and gums when pregnant. Studies have shown that pregnant women with gum disease are more likely to have preterm, low birth weight babies. Your gums may be more prone to swelling while you are pregnant due to hormone changes. This is called pregnancy gingivitis.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Periodontology ‚
http://www.perio.org/consumer/types-gum-disease.html ‚
American Dental Association ‚
http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bleeding-gums ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚