What bleeding gums mean?
The main cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums. Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jaw bone disease known as periodontitis.
Two most common reasons for bleeding gums
Common causes
They have have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include flossing, teeth brushing, chewing tobacco or cuts/abrasions from foods.
Aggressive toothbrushing/hard toothbrush – Using too much force when cleaning your teeth and gums can damage them, causing the gumline to erode and damaging your teeth
Gum Disease – Such blleeding can also be due to inadequate PLAQUE removal. PLAQUEs are debris and bacteria that constantly stick to your teeth
They contain millions of bacteria that causes tooth decay or gum disease. Plaque accumulate when you do not brush or floss properly
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Other causes include
- Pregnancy
- Vitamin C and vitamin K deficiencies
- Poor Fitting Dentures
- Blood Thinning Medications like Warfarin, Aspirin
- Hemophilia (bleeding disorder)
- Leukemia (cancer of the blood)
Self-treatment
Gently brushing teeth twice a day and cleaning all the surfaces, as well as the tongue, may help relieve their irritation. Flossing daily by gently rubbing the side of each tooth in an up-and-down motion may also help.
What to do to prevent bleeding gums
✅ Brush GENTLY twice daily for 2 minutes
✅ Use a medium textured toothbrush and fluoride containing toothpaste
✅ Floss daily
✅ Dental Check ups & Professional Cleaning (Scaling & Polishing) every 6 months
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What is the best medicine for bleeding gums?
Drugs for bleeding gums: The drugs that treat bleeding gums and periodontitis that doctors usually prescribe include several types such as: Amoxicillin, Tetracycline, Metronidazol, Penicillin,… Depending on the individual’s condition, Your doctor will guide you on the right dosage.
If your gums bleed when you brush, make sure you see your dentist ASAP.
By AskTheDentist, @DrIsaackAdeyemi
