Bleeding
gums can be a sign that you are at risk for, or already have, gum disease.
However, persistent gum bleeding may be due to serious medical conditions such
as leukemia and bleeding and platelet disorders.
Considerations
It is important to follow the instructions from your dentist in order to maintain healthy gums. Improper brushing and flossing technique may actually irritate or traumatize the gum tissue.
Causes
Bleeding
gums are mainly due to inadequate plaque removal from the teeth at the gum
line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis,
or inflamed gums.
If
plaque is not removed through regular brushing and dental appointments, it will
harden into what is known as tartar. Ultimately, this will lead to increased
bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as periodontitis.
Other
causes of bleeding gums include:
- Any bleeding disorder
- Brushing too hard
- Hormonal changes during
pregnancy
- Idiopathic
thrombocytopenic purpura
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Improper flossing
- Infection, which can be
either tooth- or gum-related
- Leukemia
- Scurvy
- Use of blood thinners
- Vitamin
K deficiency
Home Care
Visit
the dentist at least once every 6 months for plaque removal. Follow your
dentist's home care instructions.
You
should brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush after every meal.
The dentist may recommend rinsing with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and
water. Avoid using commercial, alcohol-containing mouthwashes, which aggravate
the problem.
Flossing
teeth twice a day can prevent plaque from building up. Avoiding snacking
between meals and reducing carbohydrates can also help. Follow a balanced,
healthy diet.
Other tips:
- Avoid the use of tobacco,
which aggravates bleeding gums.
- Control gum bleeding by
applying pressure directly on the gums with a gauze pad soaked in ice
water.
- If you have been diagnosed
with a vitamin deficiency, take recommended vitamin supplements.
- Avoid aspirin unless your
health care provider has recommended that you take it.
- If side effects of
medication are irritating, ask your doctor to recommend another
medication. Never change your medication without consulting your doctor.
- Use an oral irrigation
device on the low setting to massage the gums.
- See your dentist if your
dentures do not fit correctly or if they are causing sore spots in your
gums.
Above
article from: www.nim.nih.gov
Tel: 717-259-9596
418 West King Street
East Berlin, PA 17316
USA
