Bleeding Gums
March 13, 2024
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are one of the most common signs that show something is wrong in your mouth. Bleeding gums aren’t an alarming issue but there may be an underlying health condition causing it.
What causes bleeding gums ?
The reasons are:
- Hard brushing:
- Poor oral hygiene: Poor maintenance of your mouth can lead to the accumulation of food debris, plaque, calculus and development of bacteria in your mouth causing bleeding gums. This can lead to the inflammation of gums (gingivitis). Inadequate brushing and flossing causes gingivitis and at a later stage it can even lead to loosening of teeth and bone loss.
Vitamin deficiency: Vit.C & K help in the development and regeneration of gums, supports your bone and boosts your immunity. Deficiency of these vitamins can cause bleeding gums.
- Pregnancy: Imbalance on your hormones may have an impact on your gums. Expectant mothers may be more susceptible to developing gingivitis. Visit your dentist during pregnancy to be on top of your oral health game. Routine brushing and flossing should be enough to reduce gingivitis during this phase.
- Medications: Certain medications thin your blood making it easier for you to bleed. If you notice gum bleeding around the same day you have started a new medicine, it could be the fault of the new medication. Inform your doctor or dentist about this so that they can help you develop a new regime for oral hygiene maintenance.
- Ill fitting dentures: An improperly maintained or ill fitting denture can cause bleeding gums. Ill fitting dentures can irritate your gums causing redness and ulceration. Dentures that are not well maintained harbors a load of bacteria that can affect your gum health negatively. Denture stomatitis is commonly seen in people wearing dentures with poor oral hygiene. Visit your dentist for a new denture or develop the habit of cleaning the denture you wear.
What can be done to avoid bleeding gums?
It is a process that eliminates all microbial life. If it is not done,there is a chance that the bacteria and virus infect subsequent patients and staff members in the clinic. An autoclave is used to sterilize the instruments.
An autoclave is a machine where dental instruments are heated to a temperature of up to 134 degree celcius to kill all pathogens including bacterial spores.
What are the benefits ?
- Brushing twice a day with soft bristle toothbrush and flossing once a day helps to get healthy gums
- Salt water rinse aids in reducing inflammation of gums, plaque and bacterial load
- Addition of Vit.C & K rich food in your diet such as citrus fruits, strawberries, leafy green etc .
- Avoid snacking or munching in between meals and develop healthy eating habits
- Visit your dentist for professional cleanup and for regular checkups.
