Bleeding Gums: Causes and Treatment

Approximately 80% of the population in Qatar suffer from bleeding gums, a common health condition that typically indicates an issue with the mouth and teeth and requires early diagnosis and immediate care. (1) Discover the causes and ways to manage bleeding gums by reading the following article!

Causes of Bleeding Gums

The most common cause of bleeding gums is the accumulation of plaque and tartar around the teeth, which leads to gingivitis. If left untreated, it can progress and cause periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum and jawbone inflammation. (2)

There are other causes of bleeding gums, such as:(3)(4)

• Brushing teeth incorrectly, such as brushing too hard, using a toothbrush with stiff bristles, or brushing teeth with back-and-forth motions instead of circular movements.
• Improper and forceful use of dental floss between the teeth.
• Ill-fitting dentures.
• Smoking.
• Stress and fatigue.
• Experiencing a direct injury to the teeth or mouth.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause, which increase gum sensitivity.
• Using certain medications, such as blood thinners medications like aspirin and warfarin, among others.
• Vitamin deficiencies, such as Vitamin C and Vitamin K.
• Diabetes; it is a common cause of gingivitis, as persistent high blood sugar levels without proper control weaken the immune system, making it difficult for the body to resist bacteria and infections, thereby increasing the likelihood of gingivitis
• Other diseases and health issues; gingivitis can be a symptom of other conditions, such as hypertension, oral herpes, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, AIDS, leukemia, and more.

How to manage Bleeding Gums?

The gums should be examined by a dentist to diagnose the cause of the bleeding and treat it appropriately based on the condition, which may include:

1.Taking Care of Oral and Dental Hygiene

If the cause of bleeding gums is improper care, here are the most important instructions:(5)

• Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice daily using a circular motion.
• Gently use dental floss between your teeth once a day (if you are using floss for the first time, it's normal to experience slight gum bleeding, which gradually decreases over time).
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash, such as those containing hydrogen peroxide.

2.Stopping the Bleeding Immediately

By following one or more of the following methods: (4)(2)

• Use clean medical gauze to apply pressure to the bleeding area until it completely stops.
• Apply cold compresses to the bleeding area for 10 minutes and repeat until the bleeding stops.
• Rinse your mouth with salt water, which can be prepared by adding a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water.

3.Treating Gum Diseases

• If the cause of your bleeding gums is gingivitis or periodontitis, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics or resort to various dental procedures, such as deep cleaning of the teeth, periodontal surgery, or laser gum contouring. (4)

4.Treating Other Health Issues

You should visit a doctor to treat any other health problems that may be causing gum bleeding, if present, and adhere to the prescribed medications and treatment options. For example, if you have a vitamin deficiency, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate supplements. If the cause is diabetes, the doctor will recommend following dietary instructions and medications provided by your diabetes specialist for better blood sugar control. (4)

General Tips

Include the following: (5)

• Quit smoking if you are a smoker.
• Follow a healthy diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, and avoid foods high in sugars and fats.
• Reduce the intake of processed and fast foods.
• Manage anxiety and stress.
• Avoid engaging in strenuous and physically demanding activities that increase the risk of direct injury to the mouth or teeth.
• Avoid hot and hard-to-digest foods, and consume cold foods like yogurt, as they are easier to digest and help relieve pain.

References

1. Impact of Knowledge Level of Qatari People towards Oral Health
2. Bleeding gums: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
3. Bleeding Gums and Your Health
4. Bleeding Gums: Causes & Treatment
5. Bleeding gums and dental bleeding | healthdirect