Bleeding Gums: Causes and Treatment Options

Have you noticed your gums bleeding when you brush your teeth or floss? You’re not alone. Many people experience gum bleeding at some point. While it might seem like a minor issue, persistent bleeding gums can signal something more serious that needs attention.

Gums can bleed when the gum tissue becomes red, swollen and tender, often bleeding during routine oral care. While occasional bleeding might happen if you brush too hard or start a new flossing routine, regular bleeding isn’t normal and shouldn’t be ignored.

This blog explores the various causes of bleeding gums, symptoms, treatment options and prevention strategies. We’ll also look at specific considerations for those with orthodontic appliances.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?

Understanding what’s behind your bleeding gums is the first step towards getting the right treatment. Here are the main culprits:

Gum Disease − the Main Cause

The most common reason for bleeding gums is plaque buildup on your teeth. Plaque is a soft, sticky film made of bacteria that forms naturally in your mouth. But if it’s not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it irritates your gums.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease caused by this plaque irritation. Your gums become red, swollen and prone to bleeding, especially when you brush. The good news is that gingivitis is usually reversible with proper oral hygiene.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis − a more serious form of gum disease where inflammation spreads to the bone and tissues supporting your teeth. This stage can cause permanent damage. The issue is that it isn’t always painful, which is why regular dental check-ups are so important.

Brushing Too Hard

Sometimes the solution is simpler than you think. Using a hard toothbrush or brushing too vigorously can physically damage your gums. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions rather than aggressive scrubbing.

Hormonal Changes

Your hormones can make gums more sensitive and likely to bleed, especially for women:

• Pregnancy: Pregnancy gingivitis is incredibly common due to increased blood flow and sensitivity to plaque. This usually improves after birth, but maintaining excellent oral hygiene while you’re expecting is crucial.
• Menopause: Decreased oestrogen can thin gum tissue and cause dryness, leading to increased sensitivity and bleeding.

Vitamin Deficiencies

What deficiency causes bleeding gums? Several vitamins play crucial roles in gum health.

• Vitamin C deficiency is the most common nutritional cause. Vitamin C is essential for collagen production and healing. Severe deficiency can cause scurvy, where gums bleed constantly.
• Vitamin K deficiency affects blood clotting, meaning even minor irritation can cause bleeding that doesn’t stop easily.

A poor diet alone can cause severe gum bleeding if you’re not getting essential nutrients.

Medications

Some medications make gums more prone to bleeding by affecting blood clotting:

• Blood thinning medication (such as aspirin, warfarin)
• Blood pressure medications
• Certain pain relievers

Stress and Weakened Immunity

Chronic stress weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off gum infections. Stress hormones also increase inflammation throughout your body, including your gums.

Underlying Medical Conditions

Persistent bleeding can indicate other health issues, such as:

• Diabetes, which affects blood sugar control and your body’s ability to fight infections
• Leukaemia, which causes abnormal blood cell production, leading to excessive bleeding
• Autoimmune diseases cause chronic inflammation
• Liver disease affects blood clotting

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Beyond bleeding, here are other warning signs of gum problems:

• Swollen, red or tender gums
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
• Gums pulling away from teeth (recession)
• Loose teeth
• Mouth sores or ulcers
• A metallic taste in your mouth

Seek urgent dental advice if you experience these, as well as difficulty swallowing or talking, or if you have a high temperature alongside gum problems.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Bleeding Gums

While some causes are minor, bleeding gums can be a sign of something serious. Untreated gum disease can cause:

• Permanent bone and gum damage
• Tooth loss
• Potential links to heart disease, stroke and diabetes 

Seeing a dentist or dental hygienist for assessment is always worthwhile to rule out serious issues and get proper treatment.

Bleeding Gums and Orthodontics

If you’re wearing braces, you might notice swollen gums with braces more often. While orthodontic appliances don’t directly cause gum disease, they make thorough cleaning more challenging.

This cleaning difficulty can lead to plaque buildup around brackets and wires, causing inflammation and bleeding. Some patients experience gum enlargement due to irritation from braces. For teens with braces, hormonal changes during adolescence can also worsen gum inflammation.

The key point? Bleeding gums while wearing braces usually indicate inadequate cleaning rather than the braces themselves being problematic. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with specialised tools like interdental brushes and keeping up with regular dental visits is absolutely essential during orthodontic treatment.

Treating and Managing Bleeding Gums

Get Professional Help First

If you’re concerned about persistent bleeding gums, consult a dentist. They can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which might include examinations, X-rays or referral to a specialist.

Your dentist or dental hygienist can provide:

• Regular professional cleanings to remove tartar
• Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) for early periodontitis
• Antibiotics for serious infections
• Gum surgery or laser treatment for severe cases

Follow This Daily Routine

Good oral hygiene is your first line of defence:

• Brush twice daily for at least two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush with a gentle technique
• Floss daily or use interdental brushes to remove plaque between teeth
• Replace your toothbrush every 1-3 months
• Consider specialist toothpaste for gum problems or sensitivity
• Use antibacterial mouthwash if recommended (not straight after brushing)
• Try salt water rinses to soothe inflamed gums

Make Lifestyle Changes

• Quit smoking − it significantly worsens gum disease and slows healing
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and K, calcium and magnesium
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or exercise
• Limit sugary foods and drinks

Final Thoughts

Bleeding gums can be harmless, but they can be your mouth’s way of telling you something needs attention if they bleed often. The combination of excellent daily oral hygiene and regular professional care can prevent most gum problems. 

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, book an appointment with a dentist or see a dental hygienist for a thorough assessment. Remember, taking action early can prevent serious complications and protect both your oral and overall health. 

At Hampstead Orthodontic Practice, we’re committed to providing exceptional dental services tailored to every patient. If you’re due for an appointment, contact us to schedule a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stop brushing if my gums bleed? 

Not at all. Continue brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush. 

How long do bleeding gums take to heal? 

If caused by gingivitis, bleeding can improve within days. More serious causes take longer and need professional treatment.

Can taking vitamin C supplements stop bleeding gums? 

Only if the bleeding is caused by a vitamin C deficiency. Most bleeding is due to plaque, which supplements won’t remove.

Is it normal for gums to bleed during pregnancy? 

Yes, pregnancy gingivitis is common due to hormonal changes. Maintain excellent hygiene and see your dentist regularly.

When should I be concerned about bleeding gums?

If bleeding is frequent, persistent or accompanied by other symptoms like loose teeth or bad breath, see a dental professional promptly.

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