Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

One of the most common symptoms of gum disease is bleeding gums. Gingivitis begins with plaque buildup on the teeth. When the plaque is not cleaned away, it develops into tartar accumulations. Tartar is a hard, yellow-brownish substance that cannot be removed by brushing your teeth. Special dental instruments are used to break up the tartar and remove it from the teeth.

When tartar is allowed to accumulate, it pushes the gums away from the teeth and small pockets are formed, in which food debris collects. Meanwhile, infection and inflammation develop and will cause the gums to bleed. This most often occurs when brushing and flossing the teeth. It can also occur when eating certain hard foods like apples.

Other Causes for Bleeding Gums

Although gum disease is one of the main reasons gums may bleed, it is not the only one. If you brush your teeth too aggressively, you could irritate the gums and cause them to bleed. Dentists often recommend that a soft bristle brush is used or an electric brush with gentle pressure. Hard bristles and aggressive brushing not only irritate gums, but over time, can also erode tooth enamel.

Individuals who have dentures that fit poorly may also experience bleeding gums. In this case, the hard acrylic of the dentures rubs against the gums and causes sores. Your dentist can adjust your dentures and remove those areas that are causing sore spots. New dentures often produce sore spots in the first few weeks of wearing them if they are too tight.

If your gums are bleeding frequently, it could indicate a more serious health condition. Certain bleeding disorders such as hemophilia and leukemia are known to cause bleeding gums. Deficiencies in vitamins C and K can also cause gums to bleed easily. A change in diet can help stop the problem.

Pregnant women go through hormonal changes that can cause the gums to be more sensitive. This sensitivity sometimes will cause gums to bleed.

Do Not Ignore Bleeding Gums

Since bleeding gums can indicate a variety of problems, it is important to have it checked as soon as possible. In the case of gum disease, early diagnosis and treatment will help to eliminate more serious problems later. If your dentist cannot find a reason, such as gum disease, for your bleeding gums, you should check with your physician and get tested for vitamin deficiencies or other conditions.

For your emergency dental needs, contact Sacramento Emergency Dentist. Look to us for patient-centered care with compassion when you have a dental emergency.