Bleeding Gums: Causes That Go Beyond Hard Brushing
Finding blood in your mouth after brushing or flossing can be an alarming experience for any person. While many immediately attribute the bleeding to brushing too hard, the fact remains that bleeding gums are usually an indicator of something bigger than merely technique. Ignoring this symptom can most often lead to serious oral health problems later on. The first major step to take in getting to the bottom of this situation is to have a family cosmetic dentist in Canada assess the problem and recommend treatment. Understanding different causes of bleeding gums is essential so that one may properly take care of himself or herself.
Gingivitis is one of the most common causes of bleeding gums and is also termed as the early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque-a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth constantly. If plaque is not adequately removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can irritate and inflame the gum tissue. It is that inflammation that makes the gums more prone to bleeding, even upon gentle manipulation. While very hard brushing can indeed traumatize the gums quite badly and perhaps create a small bleed, persistent bleeding, particularly if the gums appear red and swollen, is a very strong indication of gingivitis.
Plaque buildup is not the only reason for causing gum problems; hormonal changes can also play a significant role in maintaining gum health. Women, among all others, may see increased sensitivity and bleeding of the gums during adolescence, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Increased blood flow to the gums due to hormonal changes can trigger heightened inflammation and bleeding response to plaque accumulation. During these times, it is imperative for women to maintain excellent oral hygiene and report all hormonal changes to their family cosmetic dentists.
Nutritional deficiencies certainly lead to gum bleeding. For instance, vitamin C deficiency is associated with scurvy, which brings gum inflammation and bleeding, as well as other signs such as fatigue and weakness. Another vitamin whose deficiency can impair blood clotting and possibly lead to easier bleeding-including from the gums-is vitamin K. Thus, a diet having essential vitamins and minerals is vital for our own oral health.
In addition, there are certain medications that can increase the likelihood of gum bleeding. For example, blood thinners such as warfarin and aspirin allow the gums to bleed more easily, even when brushed gently. Other medications, including some anticonvulsants and calcium channel blockers, may cause enlargement of the gums, thus leading to inflammation and bleeding within the same tissues. It is important to share with your family cosmetic dentist any medications that you are currently on, as they can impact the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Bleeding gums can also point to systemic medical conditions, albeit less commonly. Conditions like leukemia, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders can affect the manifestation of inflammatory response in the body as well as blood clotting, thereby contributing to bleeding from the gums. If there is persistent gum bleeding accompanied by one or more unusual symptoms, then it is equitably imperative to consult your dentist as well as your general physician to rule out some other health states.
Finally, even what could arguably be deemed innocent habits, such as the use of tobacco products, can cause gum bleeding. Tobacco smoking and chewing impair the immune system, allowing the gums to be unable to fight off infections and in recovery. Tobacco also decreases the visibility of early signs of gum disease by reducing gum bleeding, which is not necessarily a good thing for the patient, as this will only prolong the diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, the inevitable consequence is the development of a more severe gum disease and the loss of teeth with time.
In summary, although aggressive brushing might be the cause for your bleeding gums, persistent or recurring bleeding is often a symptom of an underlying condition that requires professional care. The symptoms can result from various scenarios, including gingivitis and hormonal changes, nutritional deficiency, medications, systemic diseases, and indeed, tobacco use. A family cosmetic dentist in Canada should be consulted to conduct a detailed examination and diagnosis about the causes of your bleeding gums and the prevention of further threats to your oral cavity. Ignoring the problematic warning signs of bleeding gums can have serious implications; therefore, timely professional help is always advised.
