Sometimes while brushing, we see streaks of blood in the sink and we tend to get bothered or remain unbothered, as the case may be. There are a number of reasons why your gums may bleed easily either on its own or while you brush, and in this post I will be sharing some common and possible reasons why this might be happening.
Sit back and enjoy!
Bleeding gums are the commonest symptom of gum disease. It indicates the beginning of a destructive process involving the supporting tissue around the tooth or some serious underlying systemic problems. Causes of gum bleeding include;
Plaque accumulation
The primary cause of poor gums/gum bleeding is plaque accumulation.
Plaque (debris and bacteria) accumulates on teeth surfaces and along the gum lines if not regularly removed by brushing, flossing, or regular professional cleaning (scaling and root planing). They accumulate over time and become hardened to form
calculus (tartar). This will lead to inflammation of the gums, bleeding, and ultimately the advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as periodontitis. Inflamed gums would appear swollen, red, and painful.
Brushing too hard
The harder you brush is most certainly not the cleaner your teeth get! Applying maximum strength when brushing, and also the use of hard bristled toothbrush can cause the gums to bleed due to trauma.
Vitamin deficiency
Deficiencies in Vitamin C and Vitamin K can cause the gums to bleed easily. Vitamin C helps with wound healing, tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to gum swelling and bleeding. Vitamin K helps with blood clotting, and its deficiency can lead to gum bleeding.
Bleeding disorders & Platelet deficiency
Disorders like hemophilia, thrombocytopenia, and leukemia which affect blood clotting mechanisms can also lead to gum bleeding.
Blood thinning medications
Blood thinners reduce the blood’s ability to clot, hence there’s easier bleeding, including bleeding at the gumline.
Hormonal changes
In pregnancy, hormonal changes (increased levels of progesterone) cause increased blood flow to the gums and there’s an increased response to plaque bacteria. This often leads to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) in which the gums become tender and bleed during brushing.
Other causes
Other causes include poorly-fitting dentures or dental appliances, improper flossing, poor diet, stress, and poorly arranged/ malaligned teeth.
Management
The first step to managing gum bleeding is ensuring good oral hygiene practice.
You should visit a dentist if your gums bleed so that you can be properly examined and managed. A referral to your physician might be necessary if there are underlying systemic conditions or medications causing the gums to bleed.
Lastly, remember to visit your dentist regularly, floss, brush your teeth twice daily, and keep those gums looking pink and healthy!
Photocredit; Ambaladental.com
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