Featured image Causes and consequences of bleeding gums
Bleeding gums are a gum condition we see frequently in our practice. We speak of bleeding gums when they start to bleed upon a light touch from, for example, a toothbrush or interdental cleaning products. Healthy gums should not bleed during brushing. In this article, we discuss the causes of bleeding gums and the consequences if you do not treat bleeding gums in a timely manner.
Causes of bleeding gums
Bleeding gums can have many causes. In most cases, the causes of bleeding gums are the result of (early) gingivitis. Gum inflammation is caused by tartar and plaque that is not removed in time.
Gum inflammation occurs in two grades: mild and moderate to severe. The mild form is called gingivitis, and the moderate to severe form is called periodontitis. Other possible causes of bleeding gums are:
- The lack of vitamins B, C or D;
- Reduced resistance;
- Smoking;
- A mouth that is too dry;
- Diabetes.
- Sjögren's syndrome;
- Changes in hormone levels (pregnancy);
- Toothpaste or mouthwash with sodium lauryl sulfate or alcohol;
- Brushing too hard.
What are the consequences of bleeding gums?
If you do nothing about bleeding gums, any potential infection can worsen. Plaque will adhere to your teeth and dentin. As a result, your gums will become increasingly detached, causing your teeth to become loose in your mouth. Additionally, the bacteria can damage the structure of the jawbone. This leads to periodontitis.
What are the symptoms of bleeding gums?
The symptoms you experience depend on the causes of bleeding gums. Therefore, you do not need to suffer from all of the symptoms listed below to have bleeding gums. Common symptoms include:
- Bad breath;
- Swollen gums;
- Receding gums.
- Metallic taste in the mouth;
- Bleeding during brushing and flossing;
- Sensitive gums to touch.
How do I prevent bleeding gums?
Preventing bleeding gums starts with properly caring for and maintaining your oral health. We therefore always advise our patients to brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. It is important that you brush your teeth with a toothbrush that best suits your teeth.
In addition, we always recommend cleaning the spaces between your teeth and molars using dental floss, toothpicks, or interdental brushes. Finally, you can add mouthwash and a tongue scraper to your brushing routine.
All these steps ensure that plaque built up throughout the day is removed. This prevents gum inflammation and, consequently, bleeding gums. We also advise against rinsing after brushing so that the fluoride can adhere properly to the teeth.
Can bleeding gums heal?
Are you suffering from bleeding gums? We understand that you want to get rid of it quickly. Once you have identified the causes of the bleeding gums, it is important to continue taking care of your teeth.
Treating inflamed gums starts with maintaining oral care. So, do not stop brushing and cleaning your teeth. Pay extra attention to the inflamed areas and ensure you clean them gently but thoroughly.
Make an appointment with one of our dental hygienists or prevention assistants. They can examine the inflammation and provide appropriate advice on how to care for your mouth.
Questions about bleeding gums
Do you have any questions about your oral care, or do you suffer from severe gum bleeding despite your extensive oral care routine? Then please contact one of our branches. If you are a patient, please make an appointment. This can easily be done by pressing the button below. If you are not a patient at TCN, you must first register with our practice. You can do this by pressing the 'Become a patient' button below.