As a Periodontist (Gum ki Doctor), I receive a lot of questions about bleeding gums. So, I decided to post some of them here to help you understand why it happens and how can you get it rectified!! Although bleeding gum is not a serious condition but if its not corrected at an early stage, it can lead to LOSS OF TEETH at an early age.
Is bleeding gums serious?
What is the cause of bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums is an initial sign of gum disease and is caused by following reasons
- Plaque and tartar build up on gum line. Plaque contains germs which attack the healthy tissues around the teeth and leads to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions.
- Vitamin C deficiency.
- Use of hard toothbrush or excessive pressure while brushing.
- Ill fitting dentures.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty and menstruation.
Gum bleeding is common and is typically not serious! Although a small amount of blood may not seem anything to be concerned about but if your gums are bleeding regularly then it should not be ignored, as it is a warning sign of a potentially serious gum disease which may eventually be responsible for your teeth falling off at a very early age. Although, the most common reason of bleeding gums is plaque and tartar but there can be several other reasons for it. The best way to find out is to get in touch with your dentist and get it checked thoroughly.
Should I brush on bleeding gums?
Yes!! The main reason of gums inflammation or bleeding is deposition of food particle that converts into plaque and tartar. Not brushing will only lead to more accumulation of deposits causing even more redness and bleeding of gums.
How to stop bleeding gums?
- Talk to your dentist on how you can improve your brushing technique.
- Professional cleaning and polishing teeth can help remove hard deposits which once formed cannot be removed by brushing.
- Rinse with lukewarm water and salt 4-5 times in a day.
- Stop Smoking
- Reduce stress level.
- Increase intake of Vitamin C and K.
- Healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Which toothpaste is recommended for bleeding gums?
There is no toothpaste that can cure gum disease on its own. Professional cleaning along with following the proper brushing technique, flossing and warm water salt rinses are the best way to reverse it.
Hope this resolves most of your queries. But if you are still looking for more information, feel free to give us a call on +91-7208667500. You can also email us at drshrutirathi@gmail.com. We will be happy to solve your queries.
About the author
Dr. Shruti is a Periodontist and Implantologist with a decade of experience in providing patients with painfree dental treatments. Her mission is to change people's perception of dentistry from a painful ordeal to an indulgent experience. She loves blogging and conducting educational camps for kids as well as adults. She has several national and international papers to her credit. To know more about her, click here.