Why are my Gums Bleeding?

Bleeding gums are quite common in most adults, and can happen in any situation, like when you are brushing and flossing your teeth. Yet, there are a few unpleasant instances and illnesses that can also impact your gum health. Let’s dive deeper into the why and how to stop your gums from bleeding before things get worse.

Common Causes

Some common causes of bleeding gums include the following:

  1. Either brushing too hard or the fact that your toothbrush bristles may not be soft enough for your sensitive gums.
  2. Blood-thinning medications like aspirin can cause constant bleeding from open wounds, like your gums.
  3. Dentures that don’t quite fit too well or any dental restorations that were made that are considered faulty.
  4. Being new to flossing is exposing your soft gums to piercing strings used to get plaque from in between your teeth and gum lining. Yet, lack of flossing can create a buildup of plaque that can also lead to gum disease.

Medical Illness Causes

  1. Gingivitis
  2. Inflammation of the gums can turn into a milder form of gum disease called gingivitis. This can happen due to the buildup of plaque between your teeth, and your gums may appear red and swollen. This can cause bleeding.
  3. If left untreated for too long, it could result in a more serious diagnosis of periodontitis, which is a condition of the gums that can cause permanent damage to the roots of the teeth and the bone as well.
  4. Hormones:
  5. Hormonal fluctuations can increase blood flow and sensitivity in your gum tissue, making your gums more prone to swelling, irritation, and bleeding—especially if plaque is present. This can happen when a person goes through:
  6. Pregnancy
  7. Puberty
  8. Menstruation
  9. Menopause
  10. Leukemia:
  11. This is a form of Cancer in the blood that makes it difficult for the number of platelets to produce effectively, causing conflicts in the ability to clot the blood, leaving constant bleeding as a result.

Ways to Stop Your Gums from Bleeding

  1. Visiting your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings can help you in the long run. The medical professional may see early signs of gum disease and give you special treatments or tasks to slow the process down. A dentist or specialist may also prescribe you medications or mouth rinses that have antiseptic properties to help heal your gums.
  2. The use of a soft-bristle toothbrush can cause less damage and irritation to the gums, allowing time for them to heal. Also, the switch to an electric toothbrush can help aid in cleaning your gum lines properly to avoid any plaque buildup.

Common practices like brushing your teeth can leave some spots for bleeding. However, if the issue does persist, your gums feel more sensitive, or if you experience any more serious symptoms, it would be best to contact a medical specialist to help aid in your journey to better gum health.

Related Article: What Causes Bleeding Gums?