As the name itself expresses, bleeding gums (also gum bleeding) is mostly recognized by the traces of blood in the mouth. These are mostly noticed when brushing the teeth with rinsing out the toothpaste.
What is bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums are noticeable by blood and pain when brushing teeth, traces of blood when biting into an apple, and in advanced cases, swelling that hurts to the touch. Bleeding gums are not only uncomfortable, they can also be the sign of serious gum disease, periodontitis or periodontosis. If left untreated, it can lead to the progression of this disease and tooth loss. Bleeding gums are noticeable by blood and pain when brushing teeth, traces of blood when biting into an apple, and in advanced cases, swelling that hurts to the touch. However, blood residue may also be visible when eating white bread or other rolls. In most cases, bleeding gums are accompanied by inflammation of the gums, so that a dentist should be consulted in the event of such complaints in order to rule out further complications. In contrast to healthy gums, which are light pink in color, diseased gums can have a reddish discoloration. The increased blood flow then leads to bleeding gums.
Causes
Bleeding gums can have several causes. The most common cause of bleeding gums is inflammation of the gums called periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when plaque-bearing bacteria secrete toxins and acids as metabolic waste products. These substances are deposited on the gums and penetrate into the gums. The result is inflammation, which leads to bleeding gums. The most common cause of gingivitis and bleeding gums is poor dental hygiene. Bacteria can multiply unhindered and excrete their toxins between the neck of the tooth and the gums. A particular risk for gingivitis and bleeding gums arises when gingival pockets have already formed. Bleeding gums do not always have to have an inflammatory cause. Hormonal changes, e.g. during menopause in women, liver damage, various anticoagulant medications, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or diabetes can cause bleeding gums. Nevertheless, in these cases, the gums are not discolored or swollen, gum bleeding may occur.
Diseases with this symptom
- Periodontal disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Gum inflammation
- Diabetes mellitus
- Menopause
- Hypothyroidism
When should you go to the doctor?
When bleeding gums do not need to see a doctor in every case. However, medical treatment is necessary if the bleeding gums do not stop on their own and cause severe pain and discomfort. Medical advice must also be sought if ordinary intake of food and liquids is no longer possible due to the condition. If the bleeding gums are caused by a particular medication or toothpaste, this/these can be discontinued or replaced by another/these. Here too, however, the affected person should consult a doctor. A doctor must be consulted in any case if the bleeding leads to inflammation and infection in the oral cavity and on the teeth and gums. These inflammations can spread and lead to very unpleasant symptoms, which must be treated in any case. In acute cases or after an accident, a hospital can be visited if the gum bleeding is severe and does not stop. Usually, the affected person can go directly to a dentist to treat the symptom.
Complications
Depending on the underlying condition, bleeding gums are often accompanied by inflammation of the gums or parts of the periodontium. If left untreated, bleeding persists and threatens to progress. As a result, painful inflammation can develop, which in extreme cases can lead to the loss of the affected tooth. As a further complication, periodontitis can develop, in which the gum separates from the gingiva, forming a bacterial focus with subsequent inflammation of the tooth. If the bleeding gums are not treated by then at the latest, the tooth loosens and eventually falls out.If the microbes enter the bloodstream, the inflammation can also spread throughout the body and lead to serious complications. Possible secondary diseases of bleeding gums are arteriosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and inflammation of the internal organs. In pregnant women, bleeding gums may increase the risk of premature birth. In most cases, however, the complications are limited to the oral cavity: the pain often leads to reduced oral and dental hygiene, and nausea and vomiting occur as a result of the bleeding. With early treatment by a dentist, severe complications are usually not expected.
Treatment and therapy
Bleeding gums must be treated. One mistake is to refrain from brushing your teeth because of the toothache. In this way, the disease progresses more and more. To prevent the bacteria from multiplying, it depends on proper oral hygiene. In case of bleeding gums, the dentist should be consulted in order to identify and treat the cause. If gum pockets are present, the dentist measures their depth. The dentist will determine the tendency of the gums to bleed. Since bleeding gums and gingivitis may already have damaged the jawbone, the dentist uses X-rays to examine the condition of the bone. Bleeding gums are treated specifically by cleaning the periodontium, i.e. by removing tartar, existing debris and inflammatory tissue from the gingival pockets. Treatment of bleeding gums can be supported by a special toothpaste and an antibacterial mouth rinse. The gums can be brushed with myrrh tincture. If the treatment is successful, the inflammation subsides quickly and the bleeding gums stop.
Outlook and prognosis
In cases of bleeding gums, the prognosis is usually very good. If the underlying gingivitis is treated professionally, the bleeding quickly subsides and does not require further treatment. A prerequisite for this, however, is careful oral hygiene. Otherwise, there is a risk of gum bleeding occurring again. If the symptoms are due to dirty gingivitis, this must first be treated. However, professional dental cleaning also promises fast and complication-free healing of the injuries in the oral cavity. Pregnancy gingivitis usually heals on its own as soon as the hormonal balance is restored. In epileptics, the treatment of gingivitis is sometimes more difficult because the triggering antiepileptic drugs are often not allowed to be discontinued. If drugs are the cause of the bleeding gums, the prognosis depends on whether alternative preparations are available and how far the disease has already progressed. Sometimes secondary diseases such as cysts or abscesses have already developed and require independent treatment. If the underlying disease is not clarified in time, serious cardiovascular diseases or pneumonia may also develop. In general, therefore, the earlier bleeding gums are detected and treated, the better the chances of recovery.
Prevention
Prevention of bleeding gums caused by inflammation is simple. Proper oral hygiene is the first step. Improper brushing technique and toothbrushes that are too hard can already promote bleeding gums. Sensitive tissue can quickly be injured, and the gums bleed and become inflamed. To avoid bleeding gums, a soft toothbrush should be used. Tooth brushing should be done without much pressure. To avoid inflammation and bleeding gums, the toothbrush should be changed at least every three months. As a preventive measure, the spaces between the teeth should be cleaned with dental floss after eating. Eating raw fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grain bread, contributes to dental health and can prevent bleeding gums. If a serious condition is the cause of bleeding gums, it is important to treat the condition. Finally, it comes down to regular visits to the dentist. Gum bleeding can be counteracted with a healthy diet and careful dental hygiene.
This is what you can do yourself
Various self-help measures help with bleeding gums. Thus, good dental hygiene is elementary. Not only a toothbrush should be used, but also dental floss to clean the interdental spaces.When brushing teeth should not apply great pressure. In case of bleeding gums, the teeth and mouth should be rinsed regularly with a tincture of myrrh. The tincture is available in pharmacies or drugstores. An evening rinse with lukewarm chamomile or sage tea can also be helpful. Spicy foods should be avoided in cases of bleeding gums. Since bleeding can result from a lack of vitamin C, a diet rich in vitamin C is recommended. Rich in vitamin C are, for example, fruits, citrus fruits, red peppers and sauerkraut. Sufferers can suck half a lemon in the evening. Garlic can also help against bleeding gums. Garlic also has an antibacterial effect in the mouth and throat. Rinses with diluted tea tree oil or diluted currant juice can also help against bleeding gums. A daily glass of blueberry juice from the pharmacy and/or a mixture of honey and warm milk kept in the mouth for a long time can also reduce bleeding gums. People with bleeding gums can also apply gum balm to the affected areas. It soothes the gums. Gum balm is available at pharmacies and is applied after brushing teeth and is not rinsed out.
