Are Bleeding Gums a Big Concern?

Do your teeth and gums bleed? Are you having swollen or irritated gums? Don't disregard these symptoms, thinking it's normal. Though vigorous brushing or flossing can lead to irritable or bleeding gums, recurring bleeding gums can indicate a bigger systemic and local issue with your oral or overall health.

What Causes Gum Bleeding?

Several reasons can cause bleeding gums; some of them might be minor but, if left treated, might develop into severe issues. So, identifying the cause of bleeding gums and getting it addressed at the earliest is crucial.

The primary reasons for bleeding gums are the following:

• Gum disease
• Pregnancy gingivitis
• Blood-thinning drugs and aspirin
• A change in the flossing routine
• Use of a hard-bristled toothbrush or vigorous brushing
• Poor diet and nutritional deficiencies
• Poor oral hygiene habits
• Stress or certain medical conditions
• Misaligned or improper bite
• Smoking or vaping
• Ill-fitting dentures

When To Worry About Bleeding Gums?

Minimal gum bleeding once in a while is not a cause of concern. However, bleeding gums can sometimes signify a severe underlying issue. You should consult a dental professional immediately if you have severe bleeding or your gums bleed for an extended period. 

Here are the severe health concerns that might lead to bleeding gums:

• Periodontitis: Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease. Gum disease starts as gingivitis, which can lead to periodontitis if left untreated for long. The major symptoms of periodontitis include severely bleeding gums, loose teeth, and a misaligned bite. So, if you have swollen, sore, or bleeding gums, it may indicate that you have periodontitis. 
• Leukemia: Leukemia, a type of blood cancer, is a cancer of the blood cells. The symptoms of the condition include bleeding gums and difficulty fighting infections. 
• Vitamin deficiency: Balanced diet and adequate nutrition are important for our gum health and overall oral wellbeing. If you don't get enough vitamins and other nutrition for long, the risk of contracting several health issues is high. Sometimes, bleeding gums can indicate that you have a severe vitamin deficiency.
• Inefficient platelets in the blood: Platelets, the tiny blood cells, help our body to stop bleeding by forming blood clots. Low platelet count in the body can affect the body's clotting mechanism and lead to excessive bleeding even in cases of minor cuts and bruises. Your bleeding gums could sometimes indicate inefficient platelet count in your blood. 

Do not ignore bleeding gums as it may indicate other severe dental or overall health issues as well. Seek professional help when you see signs of swollen, bleeding, or irritable gums. 

At Korte Family Dentistry, we offer professional dental cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar accumulation from the gum line. If your bleeding gums are the result of gum disease, this can help. If we diagnose your bleeding gums are the result of other systemic health issues, we will recommend you to a specialist for further treatment. 

If you have sore or bleeding gums, our professional team at Korte Family Dentistry can assist you! To book an appointment, call (402) 489-3115.