Bleeding gums can cause a lot of discomfort and annoyance to the person suffering from the condition. It can be very distressing both physically and mentally and can even affect your social life. Many people are unaware of what causes bleeding gums but a visit to the dentist can be enlightening as to what is the source of the condition and probable treatment for the problem. Here are some of the possible causes why gums bleed.
- Periodontal disease. This is infection caused by bacteria which are characterized by inflammation and bleeding of the gums. This condition happens when there is excessive plaque that is allowed to build up deep in the recesses of the gum which causes irritation. This is also called gum disease or periodontal disease which if not treated, can advance in severity and will even cause tooth loss.
- Hormones. Our gum tissues contain hormone receptors which sometimes reach high levels increasing the amount of fluids in the gingival or gum tissue, resulting in reddish, tender and swollen gums. When the level of the hormones goes back to normal, the symptoms will eventually disappear.
- Autoimmune disorders. These are conditions where the body's immune system attacks its own cells causing destruction of the tissue as seen in such diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which can lead to bleeding gums.
- Vigorous brushing or flossing. Too much mechanical action on the teeth like rough brushing or flossing may damage and irritate the sensitive tissues in the oral cavity causing the gums to bleed. It is important that one should visit a dentist immediately if the bleeding does not stop.
- Cigarette smoking and tobacco chewing. Smokers can obtain more tartar on their teeth than non-smokers and the harmful toxic effects of the tobacco on the gum tissue itself make smokers prone to the development of gum disease.
- Vitamin K deficiency. When Vitamin K is lacking in the diet, it can lead to bleeding gums.
- Leukemia. Leukemia is the cancer of bone marrow and blood cells, usually occurring in the white blood. Persons who have leukemia bleed easily and bleeding gums is one of the symptoms of the disease.
- Over the counter medications. Some oral contraceptives, nasal sprays, antidepressants, and anticoagulants cause bleeding gums so that purchasing them requires doctor’s prescription or else inform the doctor of any kind of over-the-counter medication that you take when you have bleeding gums.
Bleeding gums are often associated with some form of disease so that going to a periodontist or a medical doctor immediately after noticing gum bleeding for check-up to obtain advice, diagnosis and treatment and possible medicine prescription. Do not attempt at self-diagnosis and self-medication since the problem may lead to other health problems that can prove harmful without seeking professional help. Meanwhile, continue practicing the habit of good oral hygiene.