Why are my gums Bleeding?
Your gums can bleed for many reasons. While it is certainly alarming to see blood in between and around your teeth, it is not always a detrimental sign. Gum bleeding is common and usually easily treatable. You will want to peruse some of the most common causes, and rule out anything serious. If the bleeding persists, is accompanied with pain, or gives you great concern–make an appointment promptly with your dental care team to consult about your options.
What can cause bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums can be caused by underlying gum disease of infection, proper dental hygiene is the most effective way to combat gum disease. The most common cause of Bleeding gums is Gingivitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is caused by an accumulation of plaque at your gumline. As you chew food, bits of it remain on your teeth and in your gums. If you do not promptly exercise your dental hygiene and take care of this, those food bits become tartar. The tartar then hardens into a congealed kind of buildup called plaque. Plaque is not good for your body and has correlations to plaque in your arteries. Practicing strong flossing and brushing habits will help limit the chance your gums become infected with gingivitis.
Periodontitis
Gingivitis untreated will develop into a more serious disease called periodontitis. Inflammation of the periodontal regions of your mouth usually is caused by more severe infection. Periodontitis is painful, and can cause your gums to actually pull off of your teeth. This can lead to tooth loss, problems chewing and eating, and general discomfort. The bleeding will also become worse. If you are concerned about gingivitis and periodontitis, consult with your dentist and dental hygienist as soon as they are available.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes you carry a higher risk of developing infections. The complications of your immune system can compound and create an advantageous situation for bacteria in your gums. If you are having difficulty managing your blood sugar, and dealing with sugar spikes, your body is slower to heal and respond to infections. Gum bleeding is a common symptom of infection for those with diabetes, and you should look for opportunities to improve your dental hygiene care routine.
Pregnancy
Are you pregnant? It is more common to deal with tooth and gum issues while pregnant, since your body is under high demands. If you are pregnant there is probably no urgent need to see a dentist just because your gums are bleeding–however you should be seeing your dentist far more regularly for checkups and consultations while pregnant.
There are so many other reasons your gums could be bleeding. You could be vitamin deficient, it could be your diet, or you could have eaten something sharp and irritating-like crunchy chips. The only way to know for sure is to keep your mouth as clean and healthy as possible, and see your dentist regularly. Keeping accountability for your dental health through proper brushing, flossing, mouth washing, and cleanings will help you live a long and comfortable life.