Bleeding Gums: The Complete Facts You Need To Know

Do you have bleeding gums? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that over half of adults have some form of gum disease, with almost 8% experiencing regular bleeding. But before you panic, let’s look at the facts so you can gain a better understanding and take steps to improve your oral health!

The American Dental Association says that the best way to prevent gum disease is by brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist twice a year for check-ups. While these are all good things to help promote oral health, it’s not always enough if you have bleeding gums. Bleeding gums can present itself when you brush your teeth or when you’re flossing; sometimes it can be worse when you’re just rinsing and other times it won’t bleed at all. If this is happening to you, here’s what you need to know about bleeding gums:

Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? If yes, then it’s something you need to take seriously. Many times bleeding gums are actually a symptom of a more serious condition that can negatively affect your dental health and overall well being. So you cannot afford to ignore it and you should take proactive steps to ensure that the problem is fully addressed.

Bleeding Gums: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

1. What causes bleeding gums?

Bleeding of gums is a very common gum problem, with as much as 90% of the population experiencing this condition at one point or another in their lives. In many instances, it happens while brushing and can be a sign of trouble. There are several factors that may act separately or together to cause bleeding, swelling or discomfort in your gums.

• Plaque build-up – The main causative factor of this gum problem is plaque build-up, which is often caused by poor oral hygiene or poor dental care. If you don’t brush your teeth properly, food particles, bacteria and other microbes will form a bio-film that builds up to cause plaque on the teeth. This plaque, if left unaddressed, slowly and continuously releases germs which attack the healthy gum tissue around the teeth. This leads to an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the gums – which, in turn, may cause them to bleed when brushing or flossing.
• Trauma – Another common cause of bleeding in gums is injury or trauma. This may occur as a result of tooth picking, improper flossing or brushing, ill fitting dentures, insertion of foreign objects, blows to the face, or burns caused by hot foods.
• Smoking and tobacco chewing – may also lead to bleeding in the gums. Cigarette smoke and tobacco chewing deposit tar, nicotine and thousands of other chemicals that end up clinging to the teeth, accelerating the process of plaque formation and build-up. Smoking also dries out the mouth, which increases the proliferation and accumulation of germs that attack the gums.
• Open mouth breathing, especially during sleep – may also cause dry-mouth which can exacerbate oral and dental health conditions, such as bleeding gums. When your mouth is dry, it means the saliva that should be flowing and rinsing away the germs is missing. And without that saliva, the germs are left in the mouth to attack your gums.
• The use of certain medications – may also lead to this gum problem. For example, calcium channel blockers use can cause an overgrowth of gum tissue, which makes plaque removal much more difficult. Incomplete removal of plaque at the gum line increases the risk of irritation or inflammation of the gums. Blood thinning medicines, such as aspirin, warfarin or heparin, prevent blood clotting and can make you more susceptible to bleeding while brushing or flossing your teeth.
• Serious bleeding disorders – that make the blood to become thin and unable to clot, such as thrombocytopenic purpura and Von Willebrand’s disease can increase your susceptibility to gum bleeding. Hormonal issues particularly in women can cause gum problems, including bleeding.
• Naturally-occurring hormones increase during puberty, pregnancy and menstruation. This results in increased blood circulation to the gums, which can cause the gums to become red, swollen, sensitive, and more susceptible to bleeding. In some rare cases, women going through menopause may experience dry-mouth with their gums becoming extremely dry and sore and, therefore, more likely to bleed.
• Chemotherapy – is also a causative factor of gum inflammation and bleeding. These gum problems are actually some of the unpleasant side effects that cancer patients have to contend with while undergoing treatment.
• Viral and fungal infections – such as acute gingivostomatitis or thrush as well as conditions like mouth ulcers, are another source of this gum problem. These infections cause bacteria build-up, which irritates gums.
• Nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition – may contribute to gum bleeding in rare cases. Vitamin C deficiency, or scurvy, may cause inflammation and bleeding while niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency can lead to oral thrush or infection which may cause gums to bleed. Vitamin K deficiency can also cause increased susceptibility to this condition, since it prevents blood clotting.

2. What disease causes bleeding gums?

Gum disease is the most common cause for gum bleeding, and is the condition that results from the buildup of cavity-causing bacteria and plaque. The initial stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into the more serious gum condition called periodontitis and finally tooth loss.

Gum disease occurs when the bacteria in dental plaque releases harmful substances that degrade the gums and the jaw bone by causing them to become infected and inflamed. In addition to bleeding, gum disease symptoms can include: persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth, loose or shifting teeth, formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums, changes in the way teeth fit together on biting or changes in the fit of partial dentures, and red, swollen or tender gums.

3. What causes bleeding gums after brushing?

Gums that bleed during or after tooth brushing or during flossing are a sign of gum disease. It is usually very difficult to cause healthy gums to bleed even by vigorous brushing. However, in rare cases, overzealous brushing can cause harm to the gums and lead to bleeding. Gums consist of delicate tissue and brushing the wrong way can irritate and damage them, thus making them sore and likely to bleed.

4. Why do gums bleed when flossing?

Gums that bleed during flossing are another sign of gum disease. But, as is the case with improper brushing, vigorous flossing or using an incorrect or damaging flossing technique can cause gum bleeding. Improper flossing techniques like ramming the floss down into the gums or snapping the floss or sawing violently can cause flossing trauma, making the gums to become sore or bleed.

5. Why do gums bleed when pregnant?

An increase in the levels of the naturally-occurring hormones is the main cause of this gum problem during pregnancy. Pregnant women experience sudden and dramatic increases in progesterone and estrogen hormones, as well as changes in the amount and activity of a number of other hormones.

One of the consequences of these hormonal changes is increased blood flow to the gums, which makes them to become swollen, sensitive and red and, therefore, more likely to bleed. To determine the exact cause of gum bleeding during pregnancy or any other time in your life, it is important to see your dentist at the first sign of the problem. This health care professional can evaluate your condition and prescribe the best treatment for your case.

6. Does bleeding gums cause bad breath?

Bad breath, together with gum bleeding, is one of the symptoms of gum disease. So it is not caused by bleeding, but rather occurs together with this gum problem as one of the signs of gingivitis or periodontitis. The bad breath is usually caused by the smelly gases released by the bacteria found on the plaque that coats the teeth, gums and tongue of individuals who have gum disease.

7. What is the best mouthwash for helping bleeding gums?

The best mouthwash for treating this gum problem should have excellent antibacterial properties. Such a mouth rinse will kill bacteria on contact and diminish the amount of plaque in your mouth, effectively stopping germs from attacking your germs and causing bleeding.

Look for a quality antibacterial Mouthwash For Gingivitis that is formulated to fight plaque and gum disease and that has the approval of the nation’s Dental Association. A prescription mouthwash, such as Chlorhexidine, can be extremely effective at eliminating this problem, as prescription mouth washes have stronger antibacterial properties needed to eliminate bleeding-causing germs.

8. What is the best toothpaste to use for helping bleeding gums?

The best toothpaste for bleeding gums will remove plaque from the teeth and kill microorganisms in the mouth that can attack gums and lead to gum disease. It will contain a number of ingredients, including germicides or antibacterial agents, which kill bacteria without being too harsh or abrasive on your teeth and gums.

Another highly beneficial ingredient to look for in a good toothpaste product for gum bleeding is fluoride. Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, thereby making your teeth less susceptible to bleeding-causing plaque buildup. A toothpaste product with essential oils can also help with gum bleeding and elimination odor-causing bacteria.

10 Everyday Tips for Taking Care of Your Bleeding Gums

1. Brush teeth regularly.

Improving your oral hygiene is the most effective way to ensure that the tooth plaque that causes inflammation and bleeding in the gums is kept to a minimum. Make sure you brush your teeth at least two, but preferably three, times per day.

2. Use the right brushing technique.

When you are brushing your teeth, make sure you follow the right technique. Avoid overly vigorously brushing your teeth or a hard back-and-forth motion, as this can irritate or damage your gums. Use gentle, circular motions to massage and clean your teeth and gums, instead. While at it, try to direct the toothbrush bristles underneath the gum-line to disrupt bacterial growth for plaque formation.

3. Use the right toothbrush.

Choosing the right toothbrush is also vital to successful removal and prevention of plaque buildup. Look for one with soft nylon bristles that feature blunted ends. Avoid those firm-bristled toothbrushes, as they can exacerbate your gum bleeding problem when pressure is applied during toothbrushing.
If you’re still confused about the proper brushing technique or toothbrush, ask your dentist or dental hygienist for tips.

4. Floss daily.

Flossing is an important component of ensuring optimal oral health essential for preventing gum problems and conditions. It dislodges food, tooth plaque and other foreign particles that are caught in spaces between the teeth and gums and all of those hard-to-reach areas. But remember to be gentle when you floss. Wrap the floss around a tooth so it is shaped like the letter C. Glide the floss slowly yet firmly in an up-and-down motion and repeat this process for each tooth.

5. Eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet.

The health of your gums, teeth and mouth depends very much on good nutrition. A nutrient-rich diet promotes good gum health whilst also providing for optimal health of the whole body. On the other hand, nutritional deficiencies, including lack of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D or calcium, Vitamin E, B vitamins, Coenzyme Q10, bioflavonoids, Zinc and other nutrients, can accelerate the inflammatory process that leads to gum disease and eventual bleeding. To boost oral health, make sure you eat a nutrient-rich diet based on natural foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans and seeds; and stay away from sugar, sugary foods, refined carbohydrates, refined polyunsaturated fats, artificial additives, allergenic foods, salt and alcohol.

6. Drink plenty of water.

Drinking water not only keeps the body and gums hydrated, but it also stimulates production of saliva – which is essentially the body’s greatest defense against the bacteria that cause gum disease and eventual bleeding. Drinking water, especially after a meal, also helps wash food particles off the teeth and mouth, making it less likely that the bacteria in the mouth will form damaging plaque.

7. Quit smoking.

Tobacco smoke not only prevents the gums from getting the nutrition that they need, but it also promotes the formation of gum-damaging plaque. If you’re a smoker and have already developed bleeding of the gums, you should consider quitting. While quitting can be tough, it is the only way you can save yourself from the risk of certain cancers, heart disease and gum problems such as bleeding.

8. Stop sharing.

Bleeding of the gums is a bacterial infection that is contagious. If you’re living with someone with gum problems, you should avoid anything that comes into contact with his or her mouth, from water glasses to toothbrushes.

9. Take steps to reduce stress.

Too much stress can be detrimental to oral health. High amount of stress can affect your oral and gum health in a number of ways.

Firstly, stress can trigger significant increases in inflammatory activity in the body. Increased inflammation levels in the gums are the main factor that causes gum disease and bleeding. Excessive stress or chronic stress is also known to suppress the body’s natural immune capabilities. If you’re always stressed, then your body will find it difficult to fight infections including oral problems like bleeding.

Thirdly, high-stress levels may lead to a condition known as anhedonia, or the lack of interest in activities, especially ones that a person used to find pleasurable. This might mean activities like brushing and flossing your teeth or preparing a healthy meal may become uninteresting and difficult to engage in, and this lack of motivation could cause your oral health deteriorate and the bleeding to become worse. So take proactive steps to reduce stress in your life to experience improvement in your dental health and overall well being.

10. Visit dentist regularly.

Having your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year will help to keep your teeth free of tooth plaque and gum problems like bleeding. Your dentist, or dental hygienist, will use special tools to power clean teeth to remove plaque buildup and flush out bacteria, food particles and other foreign matter that has accumulated in the space between teeth and under the gums.

Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy: What to Expect and How to Manage

Bleeding gums during pregnancy is a common occurrence that can be caused by hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and a higher demand for nutrients. It is estimated that up to 75% of pregnant women experience some form of gum disease during their pregnancy. It is important for women to understand what to expect when it comes to bleeding gums during pregnancy and how to manage it.

During pregnancy, the body undergoes many hormonal changes that can contribute to bleeding gums. These hormones can cause the gums to become more sensitive and prone to inflammation, which can lead to bleeding. In addition, pregnant women have an increased amount of blood flow throughout their body, which can also make the gums more prone to bleeding.

To manage bleeding gums during pregnancy, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. It is also important to use an antiseptic mouthwash to help control bacteria in the mouth. Pregnant women should also eat a healthy and well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is essential for healthy gums.

If bleeding gums persist despite good oral hygiene habits, it is important to consult with a dentist or periodontist to determine the underlying cause. In some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of more serious oral health issues such as gum disease or infection.

In conclusion, bleeding gums during pregnancy are common and can be managed with proper oral hygiene habits and a healthy diet. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional if bleeding gums persist or if there are any concerns about oral health during pregnancy. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to maintain oral health, pregnant women can ensure a healthy pregnancy for both themselves and their babies.

Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy: What to Expect and How to Manage

Bleeding gums during pregnancy is a common occurrence that can be caused by hormonal changes, increased blood flow, and a higher demand for nutrients. It is estimated that up to 75% of pregnant women experience some form of gum disease during their pregnancy. It is important for women to understand what to expect when it comes to bleeding gums during pregnancy and how to manage it.

During pregnancy, the body undergoes many hormonal changes that can contribute to bleeding gums. These hormones can cause the gums to become more sensitive and prone to inflammation, which can lead to bleeding. In addition, pregnant women have an increased amount of blood flow throughout their body, which can also make the gums more prone to bleeding.

To manage bleeding gums during pregnancy, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. It is also important to use an antiseptic mouthwash to help control bacteria in the mouth. Pregnant women should also eat a healthy and well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is essential for healthy gums.

If bleeding gums persist despite good oral hygiene habits, it is important to consult with a dentist or periodontist to determine the underlying cause. In some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of more serious oral health issues such as gum disease or infection.

In conclusion, bleeding gums during pregnancy are common and can be managed with proper oral hygiene habits and a healthy diet. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional if bleeding gums persist or if there are any concerns about oral health during pregnancy. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to maintain oral health, pregnant women can ensure a healthy pregnancy for both themselves and their babies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bleeding Gums: Answers and Advice from Experts

Are you experiencing bleeding gums and wondering if it’s something to be concerned about? You’re not alone! Bleeding gums can be a common issue, but it’s important to understand the causes and how to address it.

Firstly, bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, which is caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This can lead to redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and certain medications can also contribute to gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can progress and lead to tooth loss.

To prevent and address gum disease, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Consider using an anti-bacterial mouthwash to help kill bacteria in the mouth. If you have persistent bleeding gums, it’s important to see a dentist who can assess the condition of your gums and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include a deep cleaning or other procedures.

In addition to gum disease, other factors can contribute to bleeding gums, such as vitamin deficiencies, hormonal changes, or even brushing too hard. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with sufficient vitamins and minerals, and speak to your doctor if you suspect a hormonal imbalance. Lastly, be gentle when brushing your teeth – use a soft-bristled brush and brush for at least two minutes each time.

Overall, it’s important to pay attention to your oral health and address any issues, such as bleeding gums, promptly. With good oral hygiene, regular visits to the dentist, and a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent and manage gum disease and maintain a healthy smile.

Gum Care for Children: Teaching Kids to Prevent Bleeding Gums

As a parent or caretaker, teaching children about gum care and preventing bleeding gums is crucial for their overall oral health. When children experience bleeding gums, it could be a sign of gum disease. Gum disease not only affects oral health but can also impact overall health by increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

To prevent bleeding gums, it is important to encourage children to brush their teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste can also help to prevent irritation and bleeding of gums. Flossing at least once a day can also help to remove plaque and food particles from between teeth which can contribute to gum disease.

It is also important to monitor what children eat and drink as sugary and acidic foods and drinks can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Encouraging children to drink water instead of sugary drinks can help to promote good oral health.

Teaching children about proper gum care and the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene can help to prevent bleeding gums and other oral health issues. It is important to make brushing and flossing a fun and interactive experience for children to promote good habits that will last a lifetime. By taking the time to teach children about gum care, they can be on their way to a healthy and happy smile.