Bleeding gums- what are the reasons, how can we get it treated and how to prevent it?
“Doctor, My gums bleed daily while brushing. what should I do? ” This is a very common question asked by many patients. Generally people brush daily and attempt to maintain their teeth white and clean but always overlook the importance of healthy gums. It is important to understand that gums are equally important for a good oral health.
Healthy gums are foundation of a healthy mouth and vibrant smile. Bleeding from gums is often the first sign of any gum disease. There are many gum diseases ranging from simple gingivitis to ulcerations and severe pyorrhoea or periodontitis.
WHAT CAUSES BLEEDING GUMS
The most important cause of bleeding from gums is plaque deposition around teeth. Plaque is full of bacteria and toxins and if not removed initially, it hardens and changes to calculus. And then it becomes difficult to remove by oneself.
Bacteria in plaque leads to irritation of gums and causing gingival inflammation and swelling leading to bleeding on slightest provocation like brushing, eating food or taking something hard.
Other causes of gum bleeding are:
1.Injury or trauma to the gums while brushing may cause minor bleeding and this bleeding usually stops once the wound heals.
2. Bleeding from gums might be due to some systemic causes like vitamin C deficiency in body
3.In some cases of bleeding disorders like hemophilia or blood cancers like leukemia bleeding from gums occurs as the gums get more friable and prone to injury.Blood tests are required to confirm the diagnosis of these diseases.
4. Pregnant women also might experience mild gingival swellings and inflammation leading to bleeding from gums. This happens due to many hormonal changes in blood in pregnant cases.
CONSEQUENCES OF BLEEDING GUMS:
Bleeding gums is generally first sign of gum diseases and many serious problems follow it like
- loosening of teeth- Due to prolonged gingival inflammation and infection, bone around the teeth is reduced slowly and teeth loose their support and slowly loosen in their sockets and ultimately fall off.
- Due to increased accumulation of bacteria and their toxins, bad smell or halitosis is produced which is very much embarrassing for the person.
- Due to progressive bone loss around teeth, t>How are bleeding gums treated?Dentist examines the mouth and find outs the cause of bleeding with proper tests and examination. If there is no systemic cause like deficiency or bleeding disorder in the body, Plaque and calculus is removed with the help of a procedure called scaling and root planing.Scaling is done to remove all debris and bacteria which leads to healthy gums whereas root planing is done so that no further accumulation of plaque happens again.
If there is any medical condition like bleeding disorder, leukaemia or vitamin C deficiency is diagnosed, appropriate steps are taken and patient is referred to the physician for the treatment of that particular condition.
In pregnancy, if there is gingivitis or gum swelling is present, patient is advised scaling and cleaning of mouth.
How are bleeding gums treated?
Dentist examines the mouth and find outs the cause of bleeding with proper tests and examination. If there is no systemic cause like deficiency or bleeding disorder in the body, Plaque and calculus is removed with the help of a procedure called scaling and root planing.Scaling is done to remove all debris and bacteria which leads to healthy gums whereas root planing is done so that no further accumulation of plaque happens again.
If there is any medical condition like bleeding disorder, leukaemia or vitamin C deficiency is diagnosed, appropriate steps are taken and patient is referred to the physician for the treatment of that particular condition.
In pregnancy, if there is gingivitis or gum swelling is present, patient is advised scaling and cleaning of mouth.
How to maintain healthy gums
- Patients are instructed to use accessory hygiene aids like floss, interdental brushes and powered brushes.
- Regular follow up in dental clinic is important to avoid further problems.
Healthy gums form the foundation of healthy teeth. If you maintain the health of your gums well, your teeth would serve you for a very long time. So, it is very important not to ignore any kind of gum problems and should take necessary actions whenever required. Patients are instructed to brush twice daily with a soft bristle brush and use an antibacterial mouthwash.
Dentist examines the mouth and find outs the cause of bleeding with proper tests and examination. If there is no systemic cause like deficiency or bleeding disorder in the body, Plaque and calculus is removed with the help of a procedure called scaling and root planing.
