Why do my gums bleed when i brush my teeth?
This article knowledge: Why do my gums bleed when i brush my teeth? Risk factors, treatments, prevention, home care, and more information.
Bleeding gums are related to periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis), conditions that appear when bacterial plaque is deposited on the surface of the teeth and around the gums. In most cases, patients do not give importance to bleeding and even believe that it is normal and that their gums are delicate. Many even relate it to the consumption of anticoagulants and report that they bleed because their blood is more liquid. However, we must be clear: if the gums bleed or are swollen and/or red, it is an indication that something is not right and it is necessary to treat it.
There are various home remedies that the population creates and tries to “solve the problem” of bleeding gums. Warm salt water rinses, baking soda, ginger, mint, aloe vera, consuming fruit with vitamin D… are some of the home remedies found on the web as “home remedies for bleeding gums.” Despite being a less costly and high-quality solution, it can have quick and long-term penalties that affect our fitness and our pocketbook.
To treat bleeding gums, as well as any other oral disease, it is necessary to go to the dentist to obtain a proper diagnosis, as well as the relevant treatment. Carrying out a home remedy that is not suitable for the origin of our condition can complicate the severity of the case on many occasions.
The best home remedy to avoid or reduce bleeding gums is to have good and constant dental hygiene. Correct brushing, the use of interdentals, and dental floss that remove plaque between teeth and gums help prevent periodontal disease from developing. This should be complemented with periodic visits to your dentist for periodic check-ups and professional cleanings, as well as more complex treatments if conditions occur. An early diagnosis implies simpler and less expensive treatments.
What are bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums are a very common symptom of periodontal (gum) disease. Generally, in its early stages, it manifests as gingivitis and in other cases as periodontitis.
Periodontitis is frequently the cause of tooth loss in adults over 30 years of age. Many patients have not had a balanced diet and tend to be fragile to this disease. Treatments with certain drugs are also included, such as immunosuppressed drugs, corticosteroids, and more.
If there is spontaneous gum pain and bleeding, it may be due to periodontitis where bacteria have proliferated in the deepest part of the gingival pulp. Unfortunately, this condition affects more than 90% of the world’s population at some point in their lives.
What deficiency causes bleeding gums
Vitamin deficiencies:
Deficiencies of vitamin C and vitamin K can also cause gums to bleed easily. Ask your health practitioner to test your diet C and K ranges if you have bleeding gums that are now not brought about via fallacious dental care. Also, follow a diet that contains both nutrients to ensure you get the vitamins you need to stay healthy.
Foods rich in vitamin C include:
*Citrus and juices
*Broccoli
*Strawberries
*Tomatoes
*Potatoes
*Peppers
Foods rich in vitamin K include:
*Watercress *Kale *Spinach *Chard *Lettuce *Mustard leaves *Soy *Canola oil *Olive oil
Why do my gums bleed when i brush my teeth?
Common Causes of Bleeding Gums: The first thing we must keep in mind is that healthy gums do not bleed. Therefore, if this problem occurs, it is because something is not going well with your oral hygiene. We recommend that you contact Domus Dental so that we can assess the causes of gum bleeding. Below we show you some of the most common causes that can give rise to this disorder.
*Plaque or tartar buildup
One of the first causes of bleeding gums is the accumulation of bacterial plaque or tartar on the teeth. If this plaque is not removed through good oral hygiene, it hardens and turns into tartar. When tartar accumulates, it causes gingivitis or, in the worst case, periodontitis. But even before we get to these diseases, the accumulation of tartar itself can already cause bleeding gums.
*Strong brushing
Sometimes it may be the case that the problem of bleeding gums is simply due to brushing too hard. A deeper cleaning is not achieved by applying more pressure with the brush. If you don’t take care of your brushing, you can damage the enamel of your teeth and even expose the tooth root. The loss of gingival tissue due to brushing too hard can cause gum recession, altering the image of your smile.
*Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a gum disease that causes irritation, redness, and swelling in the part of the gums surrounding the teeth. It is considered the beginning of a more important periodontal disease and is characterized by the intense red color of the gums and their bleeding. The main cause of the appearance of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene since bacterial plaque will accumulate on the teeth until it affects the gums.
*Periodontitis
Periodontitis, for its part, is a serious infection of the gums. This disease damages the soft tissue, to the point that, if not treated in time, it can cause tooth loss or loosening. Like gingivitis, it is usually the result of poor oral hygiene. The infection occurs when plaque accumulates on the teeth and the gums become swollen, bright red, and bleed easily. It is also very likely that you will suffer from bad breath.
Scurvy:
Another cause of nutritional deficiencies is the so-called scurvy or periungual hemorrhage. If your gums bleed, there may be a deficiency of vitamin C, in the amounts that are considered organically desirable. In this case, this deficiency will begin to manifest itself due to bleeding in the hair follicles.
This disease as a cause of bleeding gums is quite rare. However, it can occur especially in infants between 2 and 12 months who are fed only by bottle or inferior brand milk. Well-known brands of good milk formulas include vitamin C for prevention.
*Vitamin C deficiency
Finally, it should be noted that a lack or deficiency of vitamin C in the bloodstream can cause a problem with bleeding gums. Sometimes we believe this bleeding is due to a plaque accumulation problem, gingivitis, or periodontitis. But, as we see in this case, other situations can also give rise to this problem.
Other causes of bleeding gums that can explain why my gums bleed when i brush my teeth can be:
*Any bleeding disorder
*Brushing very hard
*Hormonal changes during pregnancy
*Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
*Poorly fitting dentures or other dental appliances
*Misuse of dental floss
*Infection, which may be associated with the teeth or gums
*Leukemia
*Use of anticoagulants
*Vitamin K deficiency
Risk factors for bleeding gums
*Lack of oral hygiene.
*Habitual smoking.
*Various genetic factors.
*Diabetes.
*Certain antiepileptic medications.
*Pregnancy.
*Dental crowding.
*Drinking an excessive amount of alcohol regularly.
*Follow an unhealthy diet.
Treatments for bleeding gums
When it comes to bleeding gums, there are several treatments available to address the problem and promote good oral health. These are the common ones:
Professional dental cleaning:
Treatment of bleeding gums begins with a professional dental cleaning. During this cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and gums. This helps prevent and treat gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Treatment of periodontal disease:
In more severe cases of bleeding gums, additional treatments are required. These may include scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line, or even periodontal surgery in more severe cases.
Use of specific mouthwashes:
In some cases, special mouthwashes containing ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine are recommended to reduce inflammation and help fight gum infection.
Toothbrush change:
Bleeding gums may be related to using the wrong toothbrush or aggressive brushing. Your dentist may recommend switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and teach you gentle, effective brushing techniques to avoid damaging your gums.
Home remedies for bleeding gums:
Some home remedies can provide temporary relief from bleeding gums. For example, warm salt water rinses, applying hot or cold compresses to the affected area or using natural mouthwashes such as baking soda and water rinses. However, you should remember that these home remedies do not replace professional dental care and should be used as a complement to the treatments recommended by your dentist.
How to prevent bleeding gums
Taking action to prevent your gums from bleeding is the first step to forgetting about all the effects that we have already seen. Some daily habits that you can start from this moment are
Proper oral hygiene:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time and complement the cleaning with dental floss and mouthwashes specific for sensitive gums.
Use of brush and correct brushing:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular movements to avoid damaging your gums. Make sure you use an appropriately sized brush that fits your mouth. It is also important to replace it every three months or when the bristles are worn.
Using dental floss:
Flossing is essential for cleaning between teeth and below the gum line, where the brush can’t reach. Be sure to floss daily and follow the correct instructions for flossing.
Healthy and balanced diet:
A balanced diet rich in nutrients is important to maintain healthy gums. Be sure to include foods like fruits and vegetables, which are rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for good oral health.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol:
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption weaken the immune system and increase the risk of gum problems. It is important to avoid tobacco and moderate alcohol consumption, they are very harmful to general health.
Visit your dentist regularly:
Making regular visits to the dentist is essential to detect any gum problems in their early stages. As dentists, we will be able to perform a complete evaluation of your oral health and recommend appropriate treatments or preventative measures.
Home care for Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth:
Visit your dentist at least every six months to remove plaque and follow their recommendations for home care.
You should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day. It is great if you can brush after every meal. Your dentist may also endorse rinses with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and water. Do no longer use mouthwashes that include alcohol, which can irritate the problem.
Flossing twice a day can prevent plaque buildup. It can help to follow a healthy and balanced diet. Try to avoid snacking between meals and reduce carbohydrate consumption.
Other tips for bleeding gums:
*Get a periodontal exam done.
*Avoid tobacco use which aggravates bleeding gums.
*Control bleeding gums by applying pressure directly to the gum with a gauze dipped in ice water.
*If you have been diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency, take vitamin supplements.
*Avoid using acetylsalicylic acid ( aspirin ) unless your doctor has recommended taking it.
*If side effects from a medication are irritating, ask your doctor to prescribe another drug. Never change your medication without first talking to your doctor.
*Use an oral irrigation device on the low setting to massage the gums
*See your dentist if your dentures or other dental appliances don’t fit properly or are causing sore spots on your gums.
*Follow your dentist’s instructions on how to brush and floss to avoid hurting your gums.
Read more: How to choose the best baby toothpaste
Tricks not to follow if you have swollen gums
It is also important to explain what tricks not to follow:
*Avoid brushes that are too hard.
*Don’t brush your teeth too hard.
*Always floss.
*Reduce or eliminate the intake of very cold or hot foods and drinks.
*Avoid irritating substances, as well as overly aggressive rinses.
*Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
*A vitamin C deficiency can increase inflammation.
*Avoid excess coffee, fats, and sweets.
*Drinking fewer glasses of water than recommended favors the accumulation of plaque bacteria.
*Stress causes plaque on the teeth to accumulate to a greater extent and, therefore, it is easier to suffer from gum inflammation.
Summary: Why do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
Periodontal disease has a close relationship with swollen and bleeding gums. In the early stages of periodontal disease, the buildup of bacterial plaque at the gum line triggers an inflammatory response in the gingival tissues. This results in red, swollen, and tender gums, which often bleed during brushing or flossing.
As periodontal disease progresses, plaque hardens and turns into tartar, a substance that is more difficult to remove through regular oral hygiene. Tartar accumulates below the gum line and causes the gums to separate from the teeth, forming periodontal pockets. These pockets become favorable places for the accumulation of more plaque and harmful bacteria.
As infection and inflammation progress, there is a degradation of the supporting tissues of the teeth, including the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Over time, this can lead to tooth loss and irreversible damage to supporting structures. Thus, if you have excessive gum bleeding, you must go to your dental clinic.
*Bleeding gums are often a warning sign of more serious gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis (which require professional attention). In this sense, home remedies for bleeding gums are not enough to treat the underlying cause.
On the other hand, to cure this pathology and prevent future problems, it is essential to go to the dentist. A professional can provide an accurate diagnosis, perform specific treatments such as deep cleanings or curettages, and offer personalized oral care advice.
Additionally, following good oral hygiene habits, such as proper brushing, daily flossing, and dentist-recommended mouthwashes, are key to maintaining healthy gums.
Read more: How to prevent dental cavities: causes, symptoms, and more
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