When it comes to maintaining oral health, you pay attention not only to your teeth but also to your gums. The gums are important to your dental health and systemic health. The bacteria in your mouth pass through your gums to your body and create different issues like respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sub Acute Bacterial Endocarditis. If your gums bleed lightly and occasionally, this may not indicate an issue. However, frequent gum bleeding and swelling can signify an issue and necessitate a visit to a dentist in Orange Park, FL. This can be due to gum disease.
Although you may be used to seeing a little bit of blood in the sink after you brush and floss your teeth, gum bleeding indicates inflammation because healthy gums do not bleed. If you have bleeding gums, you need to know the cause. Although some cases don’t require urgent attention, others can be a symptom of a bigger issue. Seeing a dentist can help identify the underlying cause of your bleeding gums. Your gums may bleed due to the following reasons:
Brushing or Flossing Your Teeth Too Hard
Gum bleeding usually happens after tooth brushing and flossing. A toothbrush that has hard bristles or a rough floss can irritate the gums. Daily flossing gets rid of the food in between your teeth and prevents gum disease that causes gum sensitivity.
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not brushing and flossing your teeth can cause bleeding gums. Plaque and tart can accumulate at your gum line, resulting in gum tissue inflammation and bleeding.
Gum Disease
Early-stage gum disease is called gingivitis while its advanced stage is periodontitis. Gum bleeding is a symptom of gum disease. In its early stage, it manifests as gum inflammation that can result in redness, tenderness, and swelling. Also, it can result in bleeding whenever you brush or floss your teeth. Gingivitis develops as plaque accumulates beneath and along your gum line. Professional dental cleanings can free your mouth of plaque and tartar. Plaque is the perfect breeding ground for infection-causing bacteria that cause bleeding and sensitivity. When not addressed promptly, gingivitis can become periodontitis, characterized by loss of support around your teeth. Such loss of support can result in recession, misaligned teeth, and tooth loss.
Poorly Fitting Dental Device
Gum bleeding may occur when you wear faulty dental restorations or poorly fitting dentures. Your dentist can tell your dental device impacts your gums.
Medications
A lot of medications cause lead to gum inflammation and bleeding. Blood thinning medications like Aspirin can result in increased gum bleeding because of their impact on the blood’s viscosity. In addition, some seizure medicines, high blood pressure medicines, and immunosuppressants can lead to gum inflammation. When you notice gum bleeding while taking such medications, speak with your dentist.
Smoking
Smoking and even vaping can be harmful to your gums and increase your risk of gum disease. If your gums are bleeding and you experience other symptoms, an undesirable cycle starts. Harmful bacteria in your mouth may be trapped between your teeth and beneath your gum line. Some of them can reach your bloodstream. Quitting smoking will prevent this from taking place.
Stress
Everyone experiences stress, which weakens their immunity and makes them susceptible to health problems, including gum disease. Also, it causes blood vessel inflammation, which slows gum healing. This makes it important to find ways to cope with stress.
Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin C and K are important to gum health. Vitamin C offers collagen to your gums while vitamin K helps deal with blood clotting. Food options like vegetables and fresh foods are good for your gums and can be high in vitamin C.