Bleeding gums when brushing is a symptom of gum disease and inflammations. Bleeding gums can result from improper brushing and flossing technique too. The most common cause of bleeding gums is gingivitis and Periodontitis. Other diseases such as cancer (leukemia) and platelet disorders can also cause gums to bleed.
Lack of vitamins can also cause bleeding of the gums. A serious and persistent bleeding gum can be a sign of some serious medical conditions. It is advisable to see a doctor.
What are the causes of bleeding gums when brushing?
Some of the factors that may cause bleeding gums are discussed below-
- Deficiency of vitamins: Bleeding gums can be due to deficiency of essential vitamins in your body. These vitamins include vitamin C and vitamin K. Deficiency of vitamin C results in scurvy. Therefore, make sure you have adequate vitamins in your body.
- Gum diseases: Gum diseases such as gingivitis are caused when bacteria infect the gums as a result of improper brushing, cleaning and flossing of the teeth. Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease which causes inflammation of the gums. The gums become tender, reddish and this causes bleeding of the gums when brushing. The gums can be very sensitive and delicate.
Periodontitis is another form of severe gum disease wherein periodontal tissues are affected. Gingivitis can give rise to Periodontitis. The receding gums forms a pocket where bacteria and plague accumulates. Periodontitis can cause severe inflammation of the gums. Gums are extremely delicate and soft. Bleeding of the gums occurs with slight touching.
- Medications: Some drugs and over-the-counter medications can also caused bleeding of the gums. This includes anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin ad Plavix), anti-epileptic and seizure drugs, chemotherapy and immune suppressive drugs.
- Use of tobacco: People who smoke or chew tobacco often have sensitive gums that bleed easily.
- Serious causes: Bleeding gums when brushing can be because of some serious disorders such as leukemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia (excessive bruising) or less platelets number, hemophilia, hormonal imbalances (during pregnancy) etc.
- Canker sores: Canker sores can cause ulcers on the mouth and gums. This can cause bleeding too.
- Hormonal changes: Women experience bleeding gums during menopause, puberty, pregnancy and menstruation. Hormones can increase during puberty and this can cause the gums to become sensitive. Hormonal changes during pregnancy results in swollen gums and bleeding gums. During menopause women experience dry and sensitive gums that bleeds easily when brushing. Women who are on birth control pill can also experience bleeding gum problems.
- Improper brushing and flossing: Improper technique of brushing and flossing can damage your gums and cause you to bleed. Always use a toothbrush which has a soft and blunted end bristle. Hard bristles can damage your tooth enamel as well as the gums. Flossing helps to remove plague but hard flossing can damage your gums. Always do a gentle flossing.
Treatments for bleeding gums-
- The best way to prevent bleeding gums is to take care of your teeth. Gum diseases can be prevented by proper oral hygiene which is important to prevent bleeding gums.
- Make sure your diet contains adequate vitamin C and K. Eat foods that are rich in these vitamins (citrus fruits for vitamin C). Vitamin supplements can also help you.
- Visit your dentist at least once in six months to check for any gum diseases.
- Avoid tobacco that can damage your gums.
- Correct any faulty dentures. They can cause irritation of the gums.