Bleeding gums might not seem like a big deal at first, but it can be an indication of a bigger problem. Not only will they be painful and make things like eating and drinking quite difficult, but bloody gums can merely be a symptom of something else. If you notice that your gums begin bleeding after eating or brushing your teeth, it might be time to consult a dentist.
Bloody gums can be a minor inconvenience that means nothing, or it can be an indication of a serious problem. Here are some of the things that bleeding gums can be a symptom of.
Gingivitis is a common but still relatively serious dental condition. Bloody gums, irregularly bad breath, and red or swollen gums are all symptoms of gingivitis. If you notice that your teeth often bleed after gently brushing them or that they are painful and bloody for no reason, then gingivitis might be the culprit.
Plaque in your teeth occurs when food particles get stuck in them or between them and sit for a period. Plaque that goes unattended will turn into tartar and eventually cause cavities. Each of these issues will most likely also cause your gums to bleed.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gingivitis if the latter disease goes untreated. The problem is that periodontitis affects your gums and your jawbone, and the supporting tissue around it. Periodontitis is a serious condition that must be remedied immediately.
In years past, bloody gums were a common side effect of scurvy. While this disease was usually limited to sailors and pirates, scurvy and similar vitamin deficiencies still happen today. Being low on vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin K can cause your gums to bleed. Luckily, this problem can be fixed simply by eating the right food and taking the right supplements.
While bloody gums can indicate something bigger like one of the above issues, they can also be related to smaller and easily resolvable problems.
Brushing and flossing more vigorously isn’t a good thing. It’s detrimental to your gums and your teeth alike.
Toothbrushes come in many different forms, with bristles that vary greatly in roughness. Using a brush that is too rough will do more harm than good.
Certain prescribed medications and recreational drugs can also cause bleeding gums. If you notice that your gums start bleeding after starting a medication, notify your doctor immediately.
Dentures and other restoration methods are great for your overall oral health, but if they’re installed improperly or don’t fit correctly, they can cause bleeding in your gums.
Because of the bigger issues that bloody gums can cause, it’s a good idea to notify your dentist immediately if yours start bleeding. Being proactive and using proper dental practices is a great way to take care of your teeth and gums.
Request an appointment here: https://www.aboutdentalcare.com or call About Dental Care at (435) 359-0147 for an appointment in our St. George office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Bleeding Gums in St. George, UT.
Patients who notice bleeding gums may have inadvertently caused the bleeding while maintaining good oral health with activities such as brushing and flossing, or these individuals may have spotted an insidious sign of disease or poor overall health. Gum health can reflect the well-being of a patient’s heart, hormones, nutritional status, and systemic health.Bleeding gums…
The CDC states that gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is one of the leading oral infections in the United States. In addition, the National Institute of Health cites it as the most common culprit for adults losing teeth. Because the early stages of periodontal disease often do not have noticeable symptoms, many patients…
Gum disease starts with the growth of bacteria in the mouth. When brushing or flossing does not remove this bacteria, harmful plaque accumulates and hardens into tartar. The collection of tartar along the gum line results in gingivitis, which can worsen into periodontal disease. Symptoms of this disease can be mild in the early stages,…
Gum disease is one of the most common issues that dentists treat. It is most likely to affect people over 30, and the bacteria that live inside the mouth cause it. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease develops when bacteria infect gum tissues.Poor oral hygiene is one of the leading risk factors for gum…
The experiences children have with a dentist shape the way they view visiting the dental office when they are teenagers and adults. A kid-friendly dentist helps children feel more comfortable. They also offer specialized dental services and educate children on oral health in a manner they (and their parents) understand.A kid-friendly dentist is more than…
Having tooth-colored fillings is always better than amalgam fillings. Switching to these natural-looking fillings will bring more health to your body. It will even do wonders for your self-image. If you want to know more about tooth-colored fillings, here are some FAQs and their answers.Silver or amalgam fillings are durable, but they contain mercury. This…