Bleeding Gums

Bleeding of gums is an indication of gum disease. Generally, it implies presence of gingivitis which means inflammation of the gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it gets transformed to periodontal disease.

Causes of bleeding gums

• Gingivitis is the major cause in which there is inflammation of the gum margin around the necks of the teeth. The cause of plaque is gingivitis. This is a layer of bacteria that accumulates on the teeth over some period of time. The cause of plaque is eating sugary food or drink and not cleaning the teeth frequently
• Pregnancy is another cause. Hormone alterations make the connective tissue in the gums weaker and softer. The increase in blood increases the likelihood of bleeding
• Stress, smoking, poor diet, rough or crooked teeth all trigger bleeding of gums
• Uncontrolled diabetes and the side effects of some drugs are also the causes
• Vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), leukemia and hemophilia are the rare causes
• anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin) and heparin
• chemical irritants like aspirin
• placement of new dentures leading to denture sores/irritations
• toothbrush abrasion and improper flossing
• idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura : bleeding disorder accompanied by scarcity of platelets in the blood

Symptoms

• blood in the saliva while brushing or spitting
• presence of dull pain
• eating of coarse food leads to bleeding
• reddening and swelling of the gums
• formation of pockets between teeth and gums
• development of gum abscesses

Diagnosis

• a probe is a sharp and thin metal used by the dentist. When this is passed along the margin between the tooth and the gum it leads to immediate bleeding
• X-rays of the teeth and jaw are taken
• blood examination is done
• Coagulation factor

Prevention

• brushing teeth at the end of each meal
• rinsing the mouth to avoid buildup of bacteria in the mouth
• use of Bloodroot (as a toothpaste) to counteract oral bacteria
• flossing minimum one time during the day
• professional cleaning two times annually
• use of oral irrigators to remove food between the teeth and under the gums

Care regarding bleeding gums

• remove the plaque twice in a year by visiting the dentist
• plan a healthy and balanced diet
• floss teeth twice a day
• do not have snacks between meals
• use a soft-bristled toothbrush
• use an oral irrigation device on a low setting to massage the gums
• avoid tobacco

Treatment
The intention of the treatment is to decrease gum inflammation and ultimately eliminate its cause.

• after each meal, brush the teeth using a soft-bristled toothbrush gently
• rinse using hydrogen peroxide and water or saltwater
• mouthwashes containing alcohol increase the problem and should be avoided
• use ice-pack to employ pressure
• dentures may be worn only during eating
• a guaze pad is soaked in ice water and pressed against the bleeding gums
• vitamin supplements should be ingested
• intake of aspirin should be avoided
• tobacco, citrus fruits, alcohol, spicy food must be kept away