Bleeding Gums

The threat to the health of the individual due to bleeding gums begins with excessive plaque accumulation in the gums. The sticky and colorless bacterial plaque called gingivitis, which occurs as a result of plaque accumulation, causes inflammation in the gums. These plaques cause bleeding over time and cause the individual to have unhealthy gums. Excessive plaque accumulation can cause bleeding as well as a much more serious health problem called periodontitis, which is a jaw bone disease. These and similar diseases that occur in the mouth negatively affect the health of the individual and lead to a decrease in the quality of life. For this reason, bleeding gums should be taken seriously, the causes of this problem should be learned by consulting a dentist and the treatment process should be started as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums are most commonly noticed as blood while brushing teeth. In addition, some sensitivity problems will also occur as different symptoms of the disease that causes bleeding gums. The main symptoms of gum bleeding include tingling in the gums when consuming hot and cold drinks, feeling pressure on the gums when chewing food, gums being redder than normal and swelling due to this, and excessive squeezing of the dentures used.

What are the causes of gum bleeding?

Not only gum-related diseases, but also many diseases can cause gum bleeding. The most common causes of gum bleeding are as follows:
 

• Gum inflammation is the first stage of gum disease. Its common symptoms include gum sensitivity and redness. It occurs due to the plaques that form on the gums over time not being cleaned, and these plaques lead to the growth of bacteria. For this reason, when gum sensitivity and redness occur, a specialist should be consulted and the disease should be treated before it progresses.
• Some medications can cause bleeding gums as a side effect. Especially blood thinners will make it harder for blood to clot, which will make bleeding in the gums easier. In order to prevent this problem, the medications to be used should be taken under the supervision of a specialist, and more sensitive oral care products should be preferred in these people. Changing the oral care products used can also cause bleeding gums. Sometimes deviating from the daily routine in oral hygiene causes bleeding gums, in such cases it may be necessary to see a specialist and return to the old routine.
• Changing hormonal activities during pregnancy can cause gum sensitivity. Bleeding may occur during dental care due to increased blood flow in the gums.
• Not paying enough attention to oral care is the main cause of gum diseases and therefore bleeding gums. Oral health can only be achieved with regular daily oral care. Therefore, teeth should be brushed at least twice a day, dental floss should be used and the tongue should be cleaned.
• Another factor that can cause bleeding gums is unhealthy nutrition. Some components found in processed foods can irritate the gums and cause sensitivity. In addition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies are also very effective in the deterioration of oral and dental health. Therefore, adequate and balanced nutrition should be taken into consideration.
• The stress brought about by modern life can lead to many diseases as well as paving the way for oral diseases. Stress causes the deterioration of vascular health and the weakening of the immune system. As a result, oral health may deteriorate and gum bleeding may occur. If foods are not chewed in accordance with the tooth structure, bleeding may occur in the gums as pressure will be applied to the wrong places. This situation may even cause bite disease in the future.

How is bleeding gums treated?

The first step in treating bleeding gums is to perform regular and meticulous oral care on an individual basis. In addition to daily oral care, you should undergo a dental check-up twice a year, or as often as your doctor recommends if you have a diagnosed oral and dental health disease. Brushing your teeth correctly and using dental floss will minimize the formation of dental plaque, thus significantly reducing the risk of bleeding gums. Since bleeding gums are often caused by bacterial infections, using antiseptic mouthwashes can also prevent bleeding. Gargling with warm and salty water can be used in bleeding treatments as it will relax the gums. It is often recommended to use a soft-tipped toothbrush to avoid damaging the gums. Individuals with sensitive gums in particular should prefer these types of toothbrushes. However, electric toothbrushes, which have become increasingly popular in recent years, are more suitable for effective dental cleaning and help clean the gums more. In addition, some drug treatments may also be required for individuals with advanced gum bleeding problems that make daily life, eating and oral care extremely difficult. For this, medications, special toothpastes, mouthwashes and painkillers can be recommended. With the treatment recommended by the doctor and proper oral care, it will be possible to completely eliminate the problem of bleeding gums.

If you are also experiencing bleeding gums, you should consult a dentist without delay and get examined. If you have any disease that causes bleeding in your gums, you can completely prevent this problem by receiving treatment for it and prevent serious problems that may progress to tooth loss in the future.