Why Bleeding Gums Are A Serious Problem

By Author: Zach Kingsberg
Total Articles: 55
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If you have bleeding gums, you might be tempted to ignore the issue. “Maybe,” you think, “it’ll just go away on its own.” The truth, though, is that bloody gum tissue is a serious problem. It often indicates that you have an oral health condition that needs quick treatment. If you want to learn why that’s the case, your local dentist can tell you more. Here, then, is a summary of bleeding gums’ causes, effects, and proper treatments.

What Causes Bleeding Gums?
When gums bleed, they do so because they’re irritated. Such irritation can stem from multiple possible sources.

The most common cause is gum disease – an infection of your gums. As a result of plaque buildup, this condition inflames the pink tissues to the point they turn red and swollen. From there, the gums could bleed from even minor pressure or rubbing.

Of course, there are other potential causes. One is overbrushing, which damages your gums enough to make them bloody. Another is vitamin deficiency, as lacking vitamins C and K weakens your gumline ...
... and leads to bleeding under the skin.

What are Their Long-Term Effects?
Unfortunately, things worsen when you leave bleeding gums alone. Doing so usually leads to other long-term health problems.

If the bleeding is due to gum disease, not getting treatment puts you at great risk. In fact, your infection could spread and lead to tooth loss and jaw erosion. Your odds of contracting diabetes, heart disease, and kidney problems will also rise.

The alternate causes of bloody gums don’t leave you much better off. Given time, overbrushing can trigger gum recession that harms your smile’s look. Vitamin deficiency, meanwhile, may lead to malnutrition or digestion issues.

How Do You Treat Them?
Thankfully, you can prevent the long-term complications above. Just remember to do the following:
• Practice Good Oral Hygiene – You can stop or manage gum disease by brushing twice daily, flossing once daily, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. To soothe swollen gums, swishing with warm salt water is a good idea too.
• Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush – If your gums are sensitive or delicate, try a brush with softer bristles. Those with harder ones may be too abrasive and cause bleeding.
• See Your Dentist – By attending twice-yearly dental visits, you would let dentists diagnose and treat the causes of gum bleeding. They’ll even tell you if you have gingivitis and teach you how to brush your teeth properly.

Ultimately, bleeding gums deserve your attention and care. Therefore, talk to your dental provider soon about ways to address them.