Why are my Gums Bleeding?
There are many reasons why your gums are bleeding, even just a little, if you have not injured your mouth. The most common causes are:
Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is an inflammation of the gums. One of the major signs of gingivitis is swollen and bleeding gums. It develops when the plaque and tartar build up along the gumline and are not regularly removed with at home dental care. You may notice your gums are even irritated or red if you have gingivitis. Better dental hygiene routines and regular appointments with the dentist will quickly resolve and reverse your gingivitis.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated and is allowed to worsen, it becomes periodontitis. Your gum tissue is starting to become permanently affected by the sustained swelling and irritation. The gums have started to separate from the teeth and bacteria can more easily settle below the gumline. In addition to tender, bleeding gums, you may find that the bacterial presence has left you with bad breath. Your teeth may start to loosen and could fall out. The bone tissue in your jaw can start to deteriorate and your gums can recede away from your teeth exposing too much tooth. Only dentists can stop and treat periodontitis.
Diabetes
Diabetes type 1 and type 2 can lead to bleeding and swollen gums. Diabetes does not allow the body to have as strong of a response to the bacteria in your mouth so you can experience infections more easily. Additionally, if you are not able to maintain a lower level of blood sugar, then you will not be able to heal as quickly as someone without diabetes.
Leukemia
When you have blood cancer, your body is not able to produce platelets at an adequate level. You will bleed more and not be able to stop the bleeding throughout your body.
Thrombocytopenia
This is another condition where your body does not make enough platelets to clot properly. You may have excess bleeding that does not stop in your gums as well as other body parts.
Hemophilia
Also known as Von Willebrand Disease, your body does not have the ability to clot properly so bleeding can be dangerous. Only a physician can diagnose this disorder.
Lack of Vitamin C
Vitamin C is used by your body to grow tissue, heal wounds and inflammation, and address free radicals. Without enough vitamin C you will notice that you feel weak, your gums are swollen, and you may be irritable. With your bleeding gums, your lack of vitamin C can prevent your body from strengthen your bones and teeth properly. Excessive and prolonged lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy. While it is not a common disease any more, the way that it once was, scurvy can cause many problems including bleeding gums.
Lack of Vitamin K
Your body uses vitamin K to help blood clot and keep your bones strong. Without enough, your gums can bleed easily.
- Poor Fitting Dental Fixtures
- Medications or Vitamin Supplements
- Improper Brushing or Flossing Technique