Do you have bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums:

Do your gum bleeds easily while brushing teeth, flossing or eating fruits like apple, guava etc., you may ignore it or think it as normal. But it is not so, bleeding gums indicate some underlying problem or gum disease. Identifying the cause of bleeding gums is very important to determine the most appropriate treatment, or else may subsequently lead to shaking of teeth or even tooth loss.

prevalence of bleeding gums: 

The prevalence of periodontal disease increased with age. The prevalence was 75%, for 12 years, 67.7% for 15 years,89.6% for 35-44 years and 79.9% for 65-74%. Since the prevalence rate is high in India, it is very important to be taken care of.

What bleeding gums signify?

bleeding gums is the first sign of Inflammation if ignored may lead to periodontal diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. such diseases occur due to inadequate plaque removal or oral hygiene practice. Gingivitis or gum inflammation can show redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding gum as well. Other factors which might show gum bleeding are injury, brushing vigorously, inflammation and pregnancy.

Some conditions that could cause gum bleeding:

  • Diabetes - In diabetes usually our immunity goes down. which means now your gum don't have enough strength to prevent infections which may lead to gum disease. Healing is delayed in uncontrolled diabetes which worsens the condition of gums. 
  • Leukemia - Bleeding gums can be a sign of leukemia, a type of cancer. In leukemia,  platelet count is low. That makes  harder for you to stop bleeding in different parts of your body, including your gums.
  • Thrombocytopenia - In this condition, your body may not have enough platelets to form a clot. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth and it doesn't stop on its own, your gums may be irritated, or you may have thrombocytopenia.
  • Deficiency of vitamin C and K - vitamin C deficiency leads to scurvy which shows symptoms such as bleeding gums and loosening of teeth. Vitamin K deficiency may cause bleeding gums.
  • Hemophilia - A bleeding disorder which causes heavy bleeding of gums

How to prevent bleeding gum?

The only way to fix your bleeding gums is to prevent plaque buildup. plaque is a sticky biofilm composed of salivary mucin, food products and bacterial colonies. Bacteria feeds the plaque and damage the teeth and gums. let's see how to prevent plaque buildup.

ways to prevent plaque buildup: 

  • brush at least twice a day in the right way: Make sure you follow this method
    • Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums while you brush.
    • Use gentle, circular strokes about a tooth wide.
    • Cover your whole mouth -- outer and inner surfaces, and tops of your teeth.
    • Brush your tongue to scrape away bacteria and freshen your breath.
    • Spend 2 full minutes on brushing.
  • Clean between your teeth, your teeth are the only place to clean where plaque gathers. Plaque also accumulates between your teeth, tooth brushing alone doesn't remove plaque between the teeth. You should floss at least once a day. you can floss after brushing, I recommend at night, choose your own time, but make sure you do it.
    • Flossing: Wrap the floss around your fingers and insert between your teeth in a to and fro motion slow and clean between your teeth. if you find it difficult, this isn't the only option available.
    • Dental picks
    • Interdental brushes.
    • Water flossers.
  • Visit your dentist regularly.
    • No matter how great job you're doing at home, there are some areas in your teeth which is difficult to reach and clean properly, like under the gums and behind the last tooth.
    • besides cleaning the spot you might have missed, the dentist can find out any issues on your gums early, before they become bigger problems.

how to stop bleeding gums?

  • Practice good oral hygiene.
  • Flossing 
  • Rinse your mouth with saltwater.
  • Rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide/ chlorhexidine mouth wash.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Take more of vitamin C. 
  • Apply cold compression (If the swelling).

when to see a dentist?

Identifying the cause of bleeding gums is key to determining the most appropriate treatment. Once you know the cause, It becomes easier to treat the gum problem. A dentist can identify the problem and treat the gum problem more appropriateness and in a better way. 

 So have at least regular check-up of twice a year to protect your beautiful and healthy smile.