Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums can be a sign that you have or may develop gum disease. Ongoing gum bleeding may be due to plaque buildup on the teeth. It can also be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Causes

The main cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis , or inflamed gums.

Plaque that is not removed will harden into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as periodontitis .

Other causes of bleeding gums include:

• Any bleeding disorder
• Brushing too hard
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Ill-fitting dentures or other dental appliances
• Improper flossing
• Infection, which can be either in a tooth or the gum
• Leukemia , a type of blood cancer

  Leukemia

  Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft tissue in the center of the bones, where blood cells are ...

   

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• Scurvy , a vitamin C deficiency

  Scurvy

  Scurvy is a disease that occurs when you have a severe lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) in your diet. Scurvy causes general weakness, anemia, gum d...

   

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• Use of blood thinners
• Vitamin K deficiency

  Vitamin K

  Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin.

   

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Home Care

Visit the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your dentist's home care instructions.

Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice a day. It is best if you can brush after every meal. Also, flossing teeth twice a day can prevent plaque from building up.

Your dentist may tell you to rinse with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and water. DO NOT use mouthwashes that contain alcohol, which can make the problem worse.

It can help to follow a balanced, healthy diet. Try to avoid snacking between meals and cut down on the carbohydrates you eat.

Other tips to help with bleeding gums:

• Have a periodontal exam.
• DO NOT use tobacco, since it makes bleeding gums worse.
• Control gum bleeding by applying pressure directly on the gums with a gauze pad soaked in ice water.
• If you have been diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency, take vitamin supplements.
• Avoid aspirin unless your health care provider has recommended that you take it.
• If side effects of a medicine are causing the bleeding gums, ask your doctor to prescribe a different drug. Never change your medicine without first talking to your doctor.
• Use an oral irrigation device on the low setting to massage your gums.
• See your dentist if your dentures or other dental appliances do not fit well or are causing sore spots on your gums.
• Follow your dentist's instructions on how to brush and floss so you can avoid hurting your gums.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Consult your provider if:

• The bleeding is severe or long-term (chronic)
• Your gums continue to bleed even after treatment
• You have other unexplained symptoms with the bleeding

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums and ask you about the problem. Your dentist will also ask about your oral care habits. You may also be asked about your diet and the medicines you take.

Tests that may be performed include:

• Blood studies such as a CBC (complete blood count) or blood differential

  CBC

  A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The tota...

   

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  Blood differential

  The blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...

   

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• X-rays of your teeth and jawbone