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What Some Causes of Bleeding Gums?

C. Ausbrooks
C. Ausbrooks

Bleeding gums often arise after vigorous brushing of the teeth. This is sometimes mistaken for a normal reaction but can be an indicator of gum disease. Chronic bleeding of the gums may signify more serious underlying conditions such as anemia or leukemia.

The most common cause of bleeding gums, however, is incomplete removal of plaque at the gum line. This leads to gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums. If plaque is not regularly removed from the teeth, it will harden and form tartar. Tartar increases bleeding and may cause periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease in which the gums separate from the teeth.

The incomplete removal of plaque at the gum line can cause bleeding gums.
The incomplete removal of plaque at the gum line can cause bleeding gums.

Another frequent cause of gum bleeding is injury or trauma. Improper flossing or brushing, tooth picking and ill fitting dentures can all cause injury to the gums. Burns caused by hot foods, blows to the face, or insertion of foreign objects may also contribute to bleeding.

Nutritional deficiencies may result in bleeding gums in rare cases. Vitamin C deficiency, also known as scurvy, can lead to bleeding and inflammation. Niacin deficiency, or pellagra, causes thrush, infection and gum bleeding. These deficiencies can be treated with supplements and improved diet.

A dentist can help with bleeding gums.
A dentist can help with bleeding gums.

The use of medications such as calcium channel blockers can cause an overgrowth of gum tissue. This makes plaque removal more difficult and increases the risk of gingivitis. Aspirin and other blood thinning medicines prevent blood clotting by blocking enzymes that heal torn blood vessels. This often causes bleeding gums in patients of aspirin, warfarin, or heparin therapy.

A woman with healthy gums.
A woman with healthy gums.

Viral and fungal infections are another source of bleeding gums. Acute herpetic gingivostomatitis is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. It results in painful, bleeding and red gums. Thrush is a fungal infection caused by overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria form a white film in the mouth that irritates the gums and results in bleeding.

Improper flossing can lead to gum irritation and some bleeding.
Improper flossing can lead to gum irritation and some bleeding.

Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy can worsen mild gingivitis, causing the gums to bleed. Menopausal women are also prone to bleeding gums. Declining estrogen levels cause shrinking and drying of the gums. As the gums shrink, they separate more easily from the teeth, giving bacteria and tartar a place to collect.

Bleeding gums can often be prevented by proper dental hygiene, regular visits to the dentist and a balanced diet. If the bleeding is severe or chronic, or accompanied by other unexplained symptoms, a health care provider should be consulted immediately.

Discussion Comments

wleene1971

Most natural treatments at home are safe when taken wisely with a little bit of common sense.

Markus

@goldensky - One of the main causes for bleeding gums when your brushing could be hardened tartar that may be pushing against the gum. Bleeding of the gums can also occur while your eating, say for instance an apple.

Using a soft toothbrush is a good idea for you, but flossing is very important and may be the best thing for you. Your gums are soft and until you do enough flossing they will continue to bleed.

Having your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis will help reduce the hardened plaque and bacteria build up which will in time eliminate the bleeding. But remember you have to maintain good oral hygiene in between those visits.

goldensky

When I brush my teeth I get bleeding gums. I use a very soft toothbrush because my teeth are very sensitive but my gums still bleed. Please, how do I stop my gums from bleeding when I brush?

aviva

My doctor had me on progesterone cream and low doses of estrogen during early menopause. A few weeks after I started the treatment my teeth were getting really sore with bleeding gums.

When I mentioned this to him he stated that it was just part of aging and that bleeding gums are symptoms of menopause. It was on my next dental visit that my dental hygienists informed me that the progesterone is what was causing my gums to bleed.

I began using an oral progesterone instead of the high dose cream and now my gums don't bleed anymore and my teeth aren't near as sensitive.

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    • The incomplete removal of plaque at the gum line can cause bleeding gums.
      By: Balint Radu
      The incomplete removal of plaque at the gum line can cause bleeding gums.
    • A dentist can help with bleeding gums.
      By: michaeljung
      A dentist can help with bleeding gums.
    • A woman with healthy gums.
      By: elavuk81
      A woman with healthy gums.
    • Improper flossing can lead to gum irritation and some bleeding.
      By: Sylvie Bouchard
      Improper flossing can lead to gum irritation and some bleeding.
    • Aspirin, which acts as a blood thinner, sometimes triggers gum bleeding.
      By: blueskies9
      Aspirin, which acts as a blood thinner, sometimes triggers gum bleeding.
    • Underlying conditions can cause bleeding gums.
      By: Zsolt Bota Finna
      Underlying conditions can cause bleeding gums.
    • Brushing teeth too forcefully may cause bleeding gums.
      By: stokkete
      Brushing teeth too forcefully may cause bleeding gums.
    • Proper dental care and regular visits to the dentist can help prevent bleeding gums.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Proper dental care and regular visits to the dentist can help prevent bleeding gums.
    • Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy can worsen mild gingivitis.
      By: hartphotography
      Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy can worsen mild gingivitis.