Bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease, which requires professional dental care. Untreated, this condition can damage the tissue and bone supporting teeth and lead to tooth loss.

Bleeding gums can also be a side effect of some medications, especially blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Vitamin deficiencies and pregnancy are also common causes of bleeding gums.

Causes

Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. It’s caused by a buildup of plaque, which irritates the gums and can lead to inflammation and bleeding. Gingivitis is easily treated with daily brushing, flossing, using mouth rinse and regular dental visits. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more advanced forms of gum disease, bad breath and tooth loss.

Bleeding Gums Caused by Certain Medical Conditions

Some blood disorders can also cause bleeding gums, such as hemophilia or low platelet count. Vitamin deficiency can also be a cause, so ask your doctor for tests to find out if you are vitamin C or K deficient. Bleeding gums are a warning sign of serious health problems, so it is important to get them checked and treat the underlying causes. Bleeding gums may be a side effect of some medications, such as blood thinners or pain relievers. Pregnancy and other hormonal changes can also cause gums to bleed more easily.

Treatment

Bleeding gums are often a sign of a more serious problem like severe gum disease. If left untreated gum disease will progress to periodontitis which can cause tooth loss and damage the soft tissue of your mouth.

Treatments range from more conservative methods such as changes to diet and oral hygiene habits, to more advanced treatments including surgical procedures.

A good oral health routine that includes regular brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing along with rinsing with warm salt water reduces bacteria and slows inflammation to heal your gums. A diet rich in nutrients with few processed foods will also help to prevent bleeding gums.

Certain medications, such as aspirin and other blood thinners, can also cause gums to bleed. If bleeding persists, talk to your doctor about changing or stopping the medication. He or she may prescribe a different drug that won’t thin the blood and make bleeding more likely. Blood diseases such as hemophilia and leukemia can also lead to bleeding gums because they interfere with the body’s ability to clot properly.

Prevention

Bleeding gums are not a normal part of your oral health. Although occasional bleeding is a normal reaction to brushing too hard or starting a new flossing routine, regular bleeding is a sign of a bigger problem, like gingivitis or more advanced gum disease.

Blood-thinning medication and hormone fluctuations due to pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can also cause your gums to bleed. People with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, leukemia, or other bleeding disorders are also more likely to have gums that bleed easily.

Keeping up with your dental care regimen is the best way to prevent bleeding gums and other oral health problems. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day with a good toothpaste, like Corsodyl Complete Protection Toothpaste, that is clinically proven to reduce plaque. Floss daily and get routine professional cleanings to remove built-up plaque from the areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Additionally, a diet low in sugar and carbs helps to improve your gum tissue health.

Lifestyle Changes

Bleeding gums are often a sign of poor oral health. It’s important to address this issue and prevent it before it becomes a serious problem. Oral hygiene habits, a nutritious diet, regular dental exams and other healthy lifestyle choices can all help reduce the risk of gum disease and other issues.

Brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily removes plaque, bacteria and food debris that can cause gum inflammation and bleeding. Quitting cigarette and other tobacco use can also prevent gum disease, tooth loss and more.

Vitamin deficiencies can also cause gums to bleed more easily, so a balanced diet that includes plenty of leafy green vegetables is helpful. Certain medications can affect the ability of blood to clot, so people taking these drugs should be aware of their gum sensitivity. Bloody gums accompanied by other symptoms like mouth sores or bad breath are cause for concern and should be evaluated by a dentist.