Bleeding Gums: Reasons for Your Bleeding Gums & When to See a Dentist

Bleeding gums symptoms

You brush twice a day. You floss more than most. You use all the latest whitening products. But your pearly whites aren't the star of the show. Instead all they can see are your puffy, oozing, bleeding gums. Not exactly the first impression you want to make.

If you want to have pink and happy gums instead of red and angry gums, there is a solution within reach.

Common characteristics of bleeding gums

If you're experiencing bleeding gums, it can likely be described by:

• Red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed when brushing or eating
• Gums that pull away from teeth
• New spaces between teeth or shifting teeth
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath

Healthy gums should be firm and resistant to movement, pink near the teeth, stippled, and scalloped around the teeth. If none of this is ringing a bell, it's time to evaluate your dental hygiene routine.

In most cases, the cause behind bleeding gums can be treated. But it's always best to begin treatment as soon as possible to avoid prolonged complications or side effects. The first step in treating swollen and unhealthy gums is to determine the cause.

Causes of bleeding gums

Bleeding gums are never normal. That's why it's important to find the cause, even if you only see a small amount of blood.

Dental habits to prevent bleeding gums:

Make sure you are completing the following oral routine in order to maintain healthy gums.

• Flossing: Flossing removes food and build-up that brushing and rinsing can't. By skipping this step, you're leaving your gums vulnerable to bacteria.
• Toothbrush: Avoid medium or hard bristled toothbrushes. These can irritate the gums. Brushing harder isn't better. A soft bristled brush is strong enough to remove food and plaque.
• Brushing: Have you been known to skip a brushing session now and again? Brushing half an hour after eating breakfast and before going to sleep is ideal.

Medications that cause gums to bleed

It's not difficult to get a small cut in your gums, whether from brushing too hard or from trauma. Taking blood thinners can make a small cut seem much worse.

Conditions and diseases that cause bleeding gums

The following conditions pose a greater risk for bleeding gums.

• Pregnancy: When a woman is pregnant, she's more susceptible to developing gum problems. This can make it more difficult to keep gums healthy, but the good news is that the issues typically disappear after giving birth.
• Gum disease: There are several stages of gum disease. Bleeding gums are the first sign of a problem. Inflammation of the gums is known as gingivitis. The more severe form of gum disease is known as periodontitis. See a dentist before serious complications arise.
• General increased risk of bleeding: Such as blood thinning medications or more rarely illnesses such as leukemia.

Bleeding gums treatments and relief

Bleeding gums should never be ignored. Very rarely will a trip to the emergency room be required but if your gums are bleeding due to injury or you can't get the bleeding to stop, head to the hospital.

You should be scheduling an appointment with your dentist every six months.

When to see a doctor for bleeding gums

If you're experiencing bleeding gums, schedule an appointment sooner than later if:

• Your gums bleed daily
• You're experiencing pain that makes it difficult to eat
• You notice large spaces or loose teeth

At-home treatments for bleeding gums

There are several approaches you can take to heal bleeding gums at home.

• Proper hygiene: Brush twice each day with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss daily and schedule check-ups with your dentist every six months or as recommended.
• Essential oils: Certain essential oils boost gum health. Try mixing peppermint oil with a bit of baking soda and coconut oil for a homemade toothpaste.
• Honey: Using unadulterated honey, place a small amount directly on irritated gum tissue. Its antibacterial and antiseptic properties will help the area heal.

With a detailed plan and commitment, bleeding gums can usually be reversed without any severe damage. You'll be getting compliments on your smile before you know it.

FAQs about bleeding gums

Will bleeding gums stain teeth?

Generally, bleeding gums may be a sign of chronic bacteria in the mouth and an early sign of gum disease. Blood and bleeding can stain teeth, especially around loose fillings or prior cavities. If you have bleeding gums when you floss, you should continue flossing and seek an appointment with a dentist for advice for the prevention of gum disease.

Can bleeding gums cause a throat infection?

No. Bleeding gums cannot cause a throat infection. A boil, cavity, or infection of the gum, however, can cause a throat infection as it produces bacteria that may cause a throat infection if it is not treated promptly. The best treatment for cavities, boils, or infections depends on the extent of the infection and the tissue affected.

Why do I have bleeding gums and bad breath?

Bleeding gums and bad breath are signs of bacterial colonization of the mouth and oropharynx (the back of the throat). Inadequate flossing can cause food particles to become stuck between the teeth. As these significant amounts of food rot, it may cause halitosis or very bad breath. Bleeding gums unrelated to bad breath, and if associated with spontaneous or easy bleeding elsewhere, should be investigated by your physician to exclude a clotting or blood disorder.

Are bleeding gums normal during teething?

A small amount of bleeding is normal, but larger amounts of bleeding may be a sign of a bacterial infection in a small child and may need treatment. Small children are extremely sensitive to infection and may exhibit behavior changes like tiredness or lethargy, colickyness or persistent crying, fast breathing or a fever if they have an infection.

Can pregnancy cause my gums to bleed?

Yes, there is a reported increase in the severity of gingival inflammation of gum swelling during pregnancy. The cause of this is unknown, but it is theorized that hormones present during pregnancy, like progesterone, cause progression of gingivitis by increasing sensitivity of the gums.