Why Do My Gums Bleed?
There are many reasons why gums can bleed, from injuries to oral health problems and medical conditions.
Sometimes, bleeding may be temporary and stop on its own, but if you often notice your gums bleeding in response to everyday actions such as brushing or flossing, or you don’t know what the cause is, you should see your dentist for a check-up.
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease
The most common reason for bleeding gums is gum disease. This is caused by bacteria that build up on the teeth as plaque around the gumline. These bacteria irritate or infect the gums, which can make them red, swollen, tender and prone to bleeding.
In its early stage, known as gingivitis, gum disease can usually be treated by a dentist in combination with good daily brushing and flossing habits. If it advances into more severe periodontitis, this will need more invasive treatment by a dentist to remove the infection.
Having gum disease increases your risk of developing a number of serious health conditions and other complications, so it’s important to have it diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
Other causes of bleeding gums
Besides gum disease, other reasons gums might spontaneously bleed include:
- Brushing or flossing your teeth too roughly
- Smoking
- Poorly-fitting braces, dentures or other oral appliances
- Hormone changes during pregnancy, puberty or menopause
- Stress
- Vitamin C or K deficiency
- Taking blood-thinning medication
- Oral infections
- Medical conditions including diabetes, haemophilia, leukemia, autoimmune diseases and others
When you visit the dentist, they will examine your mouth and may ask about any other symptoms you’re experiencing, your medical history or other risk factors. This will help them to determine the cause of your bleeding gums so they can discuss suitable treatment options.
How can I stop my gums bleeding?
Bleeding normally stops by itself, but you can try applying pressure to the gum for a few minutes using gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding doesn’t stop for a long time, you should continue to apply pressure and seek emergency care.
To stop your gums from bleeding again, you should see a dentist to discuss treatments and prevention. What they recommend will depend on the cause of the bleeding, and may include:
- Improving your oral hygiene routine to reduce plaque build-up
- Brushing and flossing more gently to avoid damaging the gum
- Cutting down on sugar
- Quitting smoking
- Trying to avoid or manage stress
- Talking to your doctor about managing an underlying health condition
- Treatments for advanced gum disease, such as antibiotics, root planing or gum surgery
Visiting your dentist every 6–12 months for a check-up and clean can lower your risk of developing gum disease and help your dentist catch and treat any existing problems early.
Talk to a dentist in Mosman today
If you’re concerned about bleeding gums or other worrying symptoms, our dentists at Mosman 3D Dental can help. Give us a call on (02) 9969 8610 or contact us and we’ll set up an appointment at a time that’s good for you.