Bleeding Gums
Do You Have Bleeding Gums?
If your gums are bleeding, it may indicate that something is wrong. It could be as simple as using the wrong technique when brushing or flossing or it could be a sign that there is a health condition that needs to be checked.
Common Causes
Bleeding gums are the most common symptom of gum disease but can also be due to a multitude of reasons:
- Gingivitis, an inflammation due to gum disease
- Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease involving the underlying bone
- Peri-implanttitis – inflammation of the gums around a dental implant
- Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with hard bristles
- Flossing incorrectly
- Medications such as blood thinners
- Pregnancy gingivitis – inflamed gums due to hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Faulty dental restorations such as fillings, crowns and bridges
- Medical illnesses such as leukaemia, haemophilia
- Too little Vitamin C which help tissues to grow and repair
- Too little Vitamin K which is a blood-clotting factor
Gingivitis
Plaque is the debris and bacteria that are stuck on our teeth and can be easily removed with proper brushing and flossing. When the plaque stays on the gum lines for too long, gingivitis develops causing
- swelling
- redness
- bleeding of the gums
If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus) which can increase the bleeding. It is not possible to brush away the tartar and you need a dentist to remove it with special instruments.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis becomes advanced, it progresses to periodontitis. This is an infection of the gums, surrounding bones and supportive tissues. Left unchecked, periodontitis can cause your teeth to become loose and fall out.
Treatment for Bleeding Gums
Make an appointment with our dentist to determine the cause of your bleeding gums. The treatment will vary according to your condition.
If you have gingivitis or periodontitis, our periodontist will help you recover with appropriate gum disease treatment.
If you have faulty restorations, our prosthodontist will replace them so that the gums can heal again.
Medical conditions will be referred to the appropriate medical colleagues.
