When people think about oral and dental care, they do not always think about the gums as well. However, you should know that the gums are a part of the oral cavity and should also be remembered when carrying out dental hygiene practices. The gums are the support system of the teeth, and when they are not cared for, they can expose us to oral health issues. This is one of the reasons why bleeding gums should not be taken lightly, as it can be a symptom of an underlying issue. Here, we will be guiding you on how to identify, treat and prevent bleeding gums.
What is bleeding gum?
Bleeding gum is usually a sign that there is a problem somewhere or that the gums are sadly not receiving the care and treatment they need. If you notice your gums bleeding, try not to panic, and instead, try to prevent the situation from escalating. Failure to do so can lead to issues like gingivitis, which is a serious dental problem.
Sadly, several people do not attempt to get help when they notice their gum is bleeding because they do not believe it can be serious enough for medical attention. However, results have shown that periodontal diseases influence general health and not just dental health. Periodontal or gum disease have been shown to be linked to serious health issues like diabetes and heart problems.
What are the causes of bleeding gums?
Several things can cause bleeding gums. To begin with, the gums get irritated by the build-up of plaque. When the plaque accumulates around the gums, the gums become inflamed by brushing activity or when certain foods are chewed. Another good cause of bleeding gums is poor dental hygiene. One of the ways to treat gingivitis and prevent it from coming back is by brushing two times daily and by flossing after every meal.
The gums can be pushed away from the teeth when solidified plaque or tartar lodges itself close to the root of the teeth. This action creates room for bacteria to get in and thrive under the gum area line.
Finally, there are other things that can cause bleeding gums, and some of them are explained below. However, bleeding gums should only be treated by a dental hygienist.
- Periodontitis
This is also known as periodontal disease, and it is an infection of the gum that affects the tissues of the gum and the bone that oversees the teeth protection. When this situation is not treated, inflammation of the gum sets in, and they begin to swell. This action causes a separation of the gums and the root of the teeth. Usually, when you experience bleeding gums at the slightest provocation, it could be because of periodontal issues.
- Gingivitis
This is also referred to as inflammation of the gums, and bleeding gum is one of the symptoms. This problem is because of the accumulation of plaque on the gum. One of the ways to identify gingivitis is swollen, red and painful gums that cause bleeding when you brush.
- Diabetes
If you have bleeding gums, it can also mean you have diabetes type 2 or1. This happens when the mouth gradually begins to lose its ability to fight germs, and it can further deteriorate into gum disease. At worse case scenario, the excessive or high level of sugar in the blood can halt body repairs, causing the gum issues to become more serious.
- Haemophilia
If you notice your gums start bleeding mildly or seriously after a small cut or after a dental activity, then you might have a condition known as haemophilia. This condition causes you to bleed from any cut in your body for long periods because it affects the clotting of blood.
- Leukaemia
If you have leukaemia, then bleeding gums is one way to identify the problem. This health issue is a type of cancer that affects the platelets present in the red blood cells. It reduces the platelet count in the blood, thus making it hard for bleeding to stop in any part of your body that is injured, including the gums.
- Scurvy
This is a medical condition that refers to vitamin C deficiency in your body in significant quantities. It is caused by insufficient nutrition or poor nutrition generally and will affect the body by causing anaemia and bleeding from the body, including bleeding of the gums.
How to treat bleeding gums
The treatment options for bleeding through the gums vary, depending on the cause and the associated health issue. For example, gingivitis can be treated simply by an improvement of dental hygiene, and this includes brushing twice daily and flossing very well. Also, plaque and bacteria can be removed from the teeth when you chew sugar-free gum.
Additionally, other health issues like diabetes, leukaemia, scurvy, and haemophilia would require a different treatment approach. Treating them and keeping them under control will also impact positively on the gums.
Finally, plaque, tartar and periodontal issues can be resolved with a visit to the dentist at least two times a year. This usually involves deep cleaning of the teeth and gums. Nonetheless, this will keep your mouth, teeth and gums clean and prevent gum issues from becoming more serious.
You can visit a dentist to have your teeth checked for any issues. If you are looking for a dental centre in turkey, contact New Teeth Clinic Turkey.
