What Causes Bleeding Gums?
While an occasional speck of blood in the sink or on your toothbrush might not be cause for alarm, repeated or persistent bleeding from the gumline is often a sign that something in your oral health routine or overall health needs attention.
Bleeding gums are often an early warning sign, which means there’s an opportunity to address the problem before it becomes more serious.
The Most Common Culprit: Gum Disease
Gum disease is almost certainly the leading cause of bleeding gums. It begins with gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease caused by plaque buildup at the gumline. The bacteria in plaque irritate the gums, making them red, swollen, and more prone to bleeding during brushing, flossing, or even eating. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more advanced stage of infection that can easily lead to damage to the structure of bone and tissue that support your teeth.
The good news is that early gum disease is often reversible with improved oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. However, once it advances, treatment becomes more involved and may require more aggressive forms of treatment like scaling and root planing, or even surgery.
Other Potential Causes and Factors to Consider
Sometimes the cause of bleeding gums is as simple as using too much force when cleaning your teeth. Brushing too hard, using a toothbrush with stiff bristles, or flossing with more force than necessary can injure the delicate gum tissue. Switching to a soft-bristled brush and adopting gentle, consistent techniques can reduce trauma and give your gums a chance to heal.
A lack of key nutrients can weaken gum health. Vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining strong, healthy gums, while vitamin K is important for proper blood clotting. Diets lacking in these vitamins may make gums more prone to bleeding. Including fresh fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens in your meals can help provide the nutrients your gums need to stay healthy.
Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and chronic stress can all impair gum health and increase the risk of bleeding. Smoking, in particular, reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for the tissue to heal and fight off infection. Stress can weaken the immune system, making it easier for gum disease to take hold.
Bleeding gums are not always the result of oral hygiene habits. Certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, diabetes, or leukemia, can make gums more susceptible to bleeding and sensitive to abrasion. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can also affect gum tenderness. Medication, too, can be a factor. If you notice a change in your gums after starting a new medication, it’s worth discussing with your doctor or dentist.
Maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, visiting your dentist regularly, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and avoiding tobacco products are all steps that support healthier gums. Your gums are the foundation for your teeth and play a role in your overall health. If they are bleeding regularly, it’s worth finding out why. By identifying the cause early and making the right changes, you can protect your smile and prevent future problems.