Bleeding Gums: Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

Brushing too hard or poorly fitting dentures can cause occasional bleeding, but if your gums bleed often, seek help, including:

• Periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease)
• Leukaemia (blood cancer)
• Vitamin deficiency
• Lack of clotting cells (platelets)

Types of Bleeding Gums

• Occasional Bleeding: Often caused by aggressive brushing or using a hard-bristled toothbrush.
• Chronic Bleeding: Linked to gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis.
• Spontaneous Bleeding: Bleeding occurs without provocation, often indicating systemic issues.
• Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy: Hormonal changes increase gum sensitivity, leading to pregnancy gingivitis.

What are the Causes of Bleeding Gums?

The following reasons for bleeding gums can help identify the underlying condition and ensure timely treatment.

Gingivitis:

• Gingivitis Gum bleeding, soreness, redness, and swelling are symptoms.
• Caused by plaque build-up along the gum line.
• Gums bleed during brushing.

Periodontitis:

• Long-term gum infection affects gum tissue and bone.
• Inflammation and swelling lead to gum detachment from teeth roots.
• Bleeding gums can indicate periodontal disease.

Diabetes:

• Bleeding or swollen gums can be symptoms of type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
• Reduced mouth germ-fighting ability increases gum disease risk.
• High blood sugar levels hinder healing and worsen gum disease.

Leukaemia:

• Gum bleeding is a symptom of leukaemia, a type of cancer.
• Low platelet count due to leukaemia leads to uncontrollable bleeding, including gums.

Hemophilia or Von Willebrand disease:

• Bleeding gums or excessive bleeding from minor cuts or dental work may indicate disorders like Hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.
• Impaired blood clotting causes bleeding issues, including gum bleeding.

Scurvy

• Scurvy Linked to vitamin C deficiency.
• Causes brittle gums, anaemia, and skin bleeding.
• Bleeding gums are characteristic of scurvy.

Smoking

• Smoking not only raises the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke but also contributes to gum disease, a major issue in the United States, according to the CDC.
• Smoking weakens the immune system, making it difficult to combat plaque bacteria, leading to gum disease.

Conditions that Cause Bleeding Gums

• Vitamin C Deficiency
• Vitamin K Deficiency
• Poor Oral Hygiene
• Hormonal Changes (e.g., Pregnancy Gingivitis)
• Use of Blood Thinners (e.g., Warfarin, Aspirin)
• Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)
• Autoimmune Disorders (e.g., Lupus)
• Liver Disease
• Certain Infections (e.g., HIV/AIDS)
• Malnutrition
• Heavy Metal Poisoning (e.g., lead or mercury exposure)

Related Symptoms of Bleeding Gums

• Red, swollen gums
• Gum recession
• Pain or soreness
• Bad breath
• Bleeding gums when brushing
• Gum bleeding at night.
• Loose teeth
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods

When to Visit a Doctor?

See a dentist if gum bleeding does not improve in 7 to 10 days. To extract plaque and tartar and encourage gum healing, you may need a deep dental cleaning.

• The doctor ordered lab tests to check for vitamin deficiencies causing bleeding gums.
• Deficiencies in vitamins like C or K, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions can contribute to bleeding gums.
• Consult a doctor or dentist if bleeding persists despite home treatment attempts.
• Dentists can monitor overall oral health and detect major issues, including early signs of mouth cancer.

Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis of bleeding gums by the dentist includes :

• Visual examination of the oral cavity.
• Signs such as receding gum lines, swollen gums, light bleeding from dental equipment, and cavities aid diagnosis.
• If teeth appear healthy, blood tests may be recommended.
• The dentist may inquire about medical history to identify potential causes.
• Referral to a general practitioner or specialist for accurate diagnosis if needed.

Treatment and Management

The best way to prevent gum bleeding is to adopt a healthy lifestyle that prevents diseases that cause gum bleeding. Gum bleeding and other gum complications can also be stopped and minimized by

• Practice good oral health care, including brushing twice daily and flossing once daily.
• Replacement of toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months
• Visit the dentist regularly.
• Make regular appointments with the hygienist for professional cleaning and tartar removal.
• See a doctor regularly to check for health problems that may contribute to gum problems, such as diabetes.
• Avoid smoking or work with a doctor to quit smoking.
• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, and limit processed foods and foods with added sugars.

Prevention Tips For Bleeding Gums

• Brush teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled brush.
• Floss at least once a day to remove plaque.
• Visit the dentist every 6 months.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
• Follow a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Manage chronic health conditions, especially diabetes.

Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums

• Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: Reduces bacteria and promotes healing.
• Saltwater Rinse: Cleanses the gums and reduces inflammation.
• Cold Compress: Soothes swelling and stops trauma-induced bleeding.
• Green Tea: Contains antioxidants that help fight gum inflammation.
• Vitamin C Intake: Strengthens gums and reduces bleeding risk. Foods rich in vitamin C include Oranges, Sweet potatoes, Red peppers, and Carrots.
• Vitamin K Intake: Essential for proper blood clotting. Foods rich in vitamin K include Spinach, Green cabbage, Kale, and Mustard leaves.

Lifestyle Changes for Bleeding Gums

• Maintain strict oral hygiene habits.
• Quit smoking with professional support.
• Stay hydrated to support saliva production.
• Eat vitamin-rich foods like spinach, oranges, red peppers, and sweet potatoes.
• Manage stress, as it can worsen gum inflammation.
• Monitor and manage blood sugar levels if diabetic.