Why Are My Gums Bleeding?
Our gums play an important role in our oral health. The gums are made of firm, thick, fibrous tissue full of blood vessels. From time to time the gums become irritated. If your gums are irritated, you may notice that they also bleed lightly when you brush or floss. What causes bleeding gums? How do you treat bleeding gums? Below is more information on why your gums may be bleeding and how to stop the bleeding.
What Causes Bleeding Gums?
There are many causes of swollen, inflamed, and bleeding gums. Fortunately, many of these causes can be easily treated once they are identified. A few of the most common causes, include:
- Gingivitis: The most common cause of irritated gums is gingivitis, or the first stage of gum disease. Often, many people don’t know they have gingivitis because the symptoms are so mild. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease. Plaque building up along the gumline and teeth can cause gingivitis. Plaque allows bacteria to grow and buildup on the teeth over time. If it is not removed, this bacteria will attack the gums, irritating them and causing them to swell and bleed.
- Pregnancy: During pregnancy, it is common for the gums to swell. Hormones that increase in the body during pregnancy can increase blood flow and therefore swelling in the gums. These hormones can also weaken the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to fight off bacteria. If you notice your gums are swelling during pregnancy, it is not a bad idea to visit to the dentist for an exam and professional cleaning.
- Poor Diet: A diet that does not include enough essential vitamins can cause swelling and bleeding of the gums. It is important to eat a well-balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, especially vitamins C and K, to keep your teeth healthy. Vitamins play an important role in the maintenance and repair of the teeth and gums.
Treating Inflamed Gums
If you notice that your gums are bleeding for more than 10 days or two weeks, you should call your dentist to schedule an appointment. Your dentist will conduct a comprehensive exam and discuss your symptoms with you to help to determine the possible causes of your bleeding. Depending on what your dentist identifies as the cause of your bleeding gums, they will develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. Your treatment may include an oral rinse or a special toothpaste to help prevent gingivitis and reduce plaque buildup. In some cases, additional antibiotics may be prescribed to fight the start of an infection. If you have an extreme case of gum disease, you may need a more invasive treatment to reverse it. If you just recently noticed your inflamed and bleeding gums, you can try to start to treat them at home with extra brushing and flossing or antimicrobial mouthwash. You can also try rinsing your mouth with saltwater solution to eliminate unwanted bacteria. An added tip is to drink extra water to help increase the production of saliva and weaken bacteria in the mouth.