What is Bleeding Gums?
Learn more about Bleeding Gums
Learn more about Bleeding GumsBleeding gums are known as the first symptom of gum diseases (periodontal diseases). Bleeding gums, which are often ignored, can be noticed when brushing teeth. In fact, oral and dental health cannot be considered separately from physical health. Because diseases of the teeth and gums also affect other organs in the body. Despite this, the necessary importance is not shown both in Turkey and in the world. For example, studies have shown that people with untreated oral and gum disease and oral infections have an increased risk of heart attack. Many people find out that their oral and dental health deteriorates when they go because of a toothache. Gum disease is an important health problem that is as common as tooth decay and causes tooth loss.
How Should Healthy Gums Be?
Bleeding gums are common. Most people don't care about the blood they see when brushing, but this is a harbinger of gum disease. Healthy gums are pale pink in color, matte, the surface is indented like an orange peel and does not bleed when brushing or flossing teeth. If there is a problem with the gums; constant bleeding gums, red and swollen gums, gingival retraction and lengthening of the teeth, such as shaking, are observed.
The most important cause of gum disease is the deposits formed by bacteria and food residues that settle on the gum junction on the surface of the teeth due to the lack of cleaning of the mouth. If the teeth are not brushed regularly, bacterial plaque forms, and bleeding gums occur when bacterial plaque affects the gums and creates an infection. The first and most important symptom of gum disease is bleeding gums. Symptoms of gum diseases can be listed as follows:
* Bleeding gums
* Swelling, redness
* Gum retraction, sensitivity on exposed root surfaces
* Decolorization that occurs due to dental stones on the edges of the gums or between the teeth
* Inflammation Decaying between the tooth and the gum
* Wobbles in the teeth, elongations and openings between the teeth Decays
* Bad smell and taste sensation in the mouth
What Are the Causes of Bleeding Gums?
The causes of bleeding gums, on the other hand, are usually due to gum diseases such as gingivitis(gingivitis). Sometimes brushing your teeth with a brush that is too hard can be the cause of bleeding gums. Bleeding gums can also occur with improper use of dental floss. Blood thinning medications can also make the gums bleed. Gingivitis, which is observed due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, is also a cause. Dentures that do not fit well in the mouth and improperly performed orthodontic treatments can also bring about bleeding gums.
Diabetes
Bleeding gums and accompanying complaints such as redness, swelling, tenderness, bad breath can also be a harbinger of diabetes. When such problems occur, it is necessary to go to the dentist without wasting time. Those who have diabetes are in a high risk group for gum infection. Redness, swelling of the gums; bleeding occurs when brushing teeth. In the case of high blood sugar, problems are experienced more often. This can even lead to tooth loss. The presence of an inflammatory disease in the gums also negatively affects the general condition of those who have diabetes.
Leukemia
“What causes bleeding gums?" the question of leukemia is also a valid answer in cancer types. Blood platelets help the body stop bleeding. In cases of leukemia, the number of platelets in the blood decreases. This, in turn, causes bleeding throughout the body, including the gums.
Low Platelet Count
Thrombocytopenia, known as low platelet count, also plays a role in bleeding gums. In this disease, which is characterized by a lack of platelets that allow blood to clot, bleeding may occur in the gums and different parts of the body.
Bleeding Disorder
Hemophilia or Von Willebrand Disease can also cause bleeding gums because the blood cannot clot. Bleeding may be intense even during gum surgery or a small cut.
Bleeding Disorder
Hemophilia or Von Willebrand Disease can also cause bleeding gums because the blood cannot clot. Bleeding may be intense even during gum surgery or a small cut.
Lack of Vitamin C and K
Vitamin C, which has an important role in the growth and repair of tissues, is effective in the healing of wounds, bones and strengthening. Vitamin C deficiency can cause swelling of the gums and bleeding gums in some people. Scurvy disease is observed with excessive vitamin C deficiency. The typical symptom of this disease, which causes weakness and anemia, is bleeding gums. The intense bleeding of the gums is also an indication of vitamin K deficiency. In the case of a lack of vitamin K, which helps blood clotting, bleeding gums may be inevitable. For vitamin C, you can add citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli to your diet; for vitamin K, you can add spinach, lettuce, olive oil, soybeans.
Is Bleeding Gums Normal When Brushing Teeth?
Bleeding gums can occur when brushing teeth or eating hard foods such as apples. It is not normal for an individual with healthy gums to experience bleeding gums during tooth brushing. Constant bleeding of the teeth when brushing indicates gingivitis. Gingivitis can be suspected if the gums are red and swollen. In cases where gingivitis progresses, it can cause gum recession and sensitivity due to exposed tooth roots. In addition, bad taste in the mouth, bad breath, a difference in tooth alignment in the biting movement, redness, swelling and tenderness of the gums can be felt. Tooth loss can occur when periodontal diseases are not treated.
How Does Gum Bleeding Go Away?
Gum bleeding treatment can be possible by ensuring good oral and dental hygiene. Thanks to regular oral and dental control, dental stones are removed by dentists, and then this problem can be solved with proper and regular tooth brushing. Proper tooth brushing and flossing allows the removal of plaque located on the gum and tooth junction line and prevents the risk of periodontal disease. You can ask your dentist “what is good for bleeding gums?" toothpaste and mouthwash suggestions can be given on questions such as. How to stop bleeding gums “at home"?” when you think about it, you can also try gargling with warm salt water, but this is a temporary solution. Also pay attention to the brush you use to avoid bleeding gums. Brushes with stiff bristles may not be suitable for your gums. You can use toothbrushes of medium hardness. First of all, the causes of bleeding gums should be determined by a physical examination.
If your answer to the following questions is “yes”, go to the dentist.
* If there is bleeding while brushing your teeth or eating hard foods
• If your gums are sore and swollen
• If you feel a bad smell on your breath