What do bleeding gums mean?
Do you see spots of blood when you brush your teeth in the morning or when you take a bite of an apple? Bleeding from gums during routine oral hygiene procedures or without any apparent cause can be a sign of gum diseases, but it can also point towards other complex medical conditions. Whatever may be the reason for bleeding gums, its presence necessitates a visit to a periodontist near you. Dr. Sanz at Southern Delaware Dental Specialists is a board-certified, highly proficient periodontist whose comprehensive treatment approach will help you treat bleeding gums and reduce pain.
Occasional bleeding from the gums can be attributed to something as minor as brushing your teeth too harshly or flossing. Routine dental procedures like scaling can also cause some bleeding from the gums. Bleeding through the gums can also be caused due to ill-fitting dentures, which cause repeated trauma to the gums and leads to discomfort.
However, certain inflammatory diseases of the gums can also cause bleeding gums. If you experience chronic bleeding from gums during brushing or while eating, it is a sign that you need a periodontist in Delaware. Here we break down certain dental and other conditions which can be associated with bleeding gums.
DENTAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH BLEEDING GUMS
1) GINGIVITIS
Faulty oral hygiene procedures can lead to tartar build-up. This tartar is a house to disease-causing bacteria. These disease-causing bacteria release noxious substances and generate an inflammatory response, leading to swollen gums and causes gingivitis. Bleeding gums can be a sign that you are suffering from gingivitis. A consultation from a periodontist near you in Delaware is essential at the earliest to prevent its progression to severe forms.
2) PERIODONTITIS
If gingivitis is left untreated, the infection spreads to the bone and starts destroying it. You will experience loose teeth with severe spontaneous bleeding from the gums.
SYSTEMIC CONDITIONS AND DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH BLEEDING GUMS
1) VITAMIN DEFICIENCY
Deficiency of vitamin C and vitamin K has been shown to cause bleeding gums. It is crucial to diagnose the cause of bleeding gums and treat it appropriately. A board-certified periodontist like Dr. Sanz in Delaware will rule out the causes and prescribe appropriate treatment.
2) PREGNANCY
Pregnancy gingivitis is exceptionally prevalent and can cause bleeding gums, which is why it is essential to schedule regular visits to a periodontist in Delaware so that you stay at the top of your oral health.
3) DIABETES
Years of studies and researches have shown a direct link between diabetes and periodontitis. Swollen and bleeding gums can be a sign of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar levels make it harder for your body to heal and worsens if not diagnosed and treated.
4) HEART CONDITIONS
High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and formation of plaque in your arteries have a direct association with gum diseases like periodontitis which can lead to frank bleeding gums.
5) LEUKAEMIA
Swollen, puffy, and bleeding gums can be a sign of blood cancer like leukemia.
6) BLOOD DISORDERS
Thrombocytopenia and hemophilia can lead to chronic bleeding gums that just won’t stop as your body’s blood clotting mechanism is impaired.
7) MEDICATIONS
Certain medications like blood thinners, antidepressants can also lead to bleeding gums as a side effect.
As we see above, the cause for bleeding gums can be something minor to major complex systemic diseases. It is essential to schedule a visit with a periodontist near you to diagnose the cause of your bleeding gums and treat them. Dr. Sanz at Southern Delaware Dental Specialists is a board-certified periodontist who is proficient at diagnosing, managing, and treating bleeding gums and associated periodontal conditions. You can schedule an appointment with us and contact us if you have any questions, and our fantastic team will be there to assist you.
