Gum bleeding

Warning signal of an incipient inflammation

Estimated reading time: 2 min.

Bleeding gums are usually the result of poor oral hygiene. Frequently, bleeding gums then indicate inflammation of the gums. But physical diseases can also cause bleeding gums. The good news is that bleeding gums can usually be quickly remedied. Thorough oral hygiene also helps prevent bleeding gums.

UNMAPPED COMPONENT: NotFound

Legacy Page ID: 3048

Legacy Page Name: Poll Section

Legacy Page Type: pollSection

You can use this id to load the correct node on the legacy site backoffice

What is gum bleeding?

Healthy gums have a light pink color and lie close to the teeth. The texture of the gums is particularly robust and resistant. Thus, it is not injured during chewing and also makes it difficult for bacteria to enter through the gap between the gum and the tooth. When the gums bleed, they can no longer perform precisely these tasks. Then the gums are particularly sensitive, so that even light touches are painful.

What does it mean when the gums bleed?

If the gums bleed, this can have different reasons. Possible causes of blood on the toothbrush are:

Lack of oral hygiene

In most cases, the cause of bleeding gums is poor oral hygiene. When brushing, teeth are not always cleaned thoroughly enough. Interdental spaces and hard-to-reach areas in particular are often overlooked. The bacteria in the interdental spaces can then spread optimally and trigger gum inflammation. This leads to the gums bleeding.

Periodontitis

In periodontitis, the inflammation has spread to the entire periodontium. The gums not only bleed, but shrink. If the bacterial inflammation is detected in time, it can usually be treated well. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to loosening of the teeth.

Physical diseases

But not only bacteria can be the trigger. Diseases can also cause the gums to bleed. Diabetics, leukemia patients or people with HIV/AIDS are particularly often affected by bleeding gums. Malnutrition, for example as a result of anorexia, can also lead to bleeding gums.

Hormonal influences

Hormonal changes, such as those caused by the contraceptive pill, during menstruation or puberty, can trigger bleeding gums. Thus, it is also not uncommon for bleeding gums to occur during pregnancy. Certain hormones loosen the gums and make it easier for bacteria to enter.

Taking medication

Not only birth control pills, but also taking blood-thinning or hormonal medications can cause gum bleeding or even make it worse.

Other risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, persistent stress or a nutrient deficiency, can also cause bleeding gums. This is because the immune defense is weakened in this way, which favors the multiplication of harmful bacteria.

How can I stop gum bleeding?

Bleeding gums should not be ignored. It is important to take timely countermeasures to stop bleeding gums and prevent inflammation:

Caution, on the other hand, is advised when using oral irrigators: If used incorrectly, these do not clean the oral cavity properly, but flush the bacteria further under the gums. This can increase inflammation.

How dangerous is gum bleeding?

If bleeding gums occur once, it is probably only a minor injury. Even flossing can cause the gums to bleed slightly in the cleaned areas. However, it can then be assumed that the gums are healthy and resistant and are only bleeding because of this injury.

The bleeding gums do not stop or even light touches trigger bleeding? In these cases, you should visit your dentist. Because this condition may indicate inflammation. Depending on the cause of the bleeding gums, he will find the right treatment.

More interesting articles