"Gum bleeding," which refers to the situation in which the gum bleeds slightly or severely, is a disorder that should be taken seriously. If you experience constant bleeding in your gums, it is important that you definitely consult a dentist. Although gum bleeding is an indicator of diseases that may occur in the gums, it can also be a harbinger of some diseases such as vitamin deficiency, leukemia, or platelet deficiency.
It Affects Quality of Life
This disorder manifests itself with excessive plaque accumulation in the gums. A sticky and colorless bacterial plaque called "gingivitis" leads to inflammation in the gums. These plaques, which cause bleeding over time, negatively affect the individual's quality of life. Excessive plaque accumulation can pave the way not only for bleeding but also for more serious health problems known as "periodontitis." For this reason, gum bleeding should not be neglected, and the treatment process should not be delayed.
Causes of Gum Bleeding
There can be many causes of gum bleeding. The common causes of gum bleeding can be listed as follows:
Gingivitis: Gingivitis, the first stage of the disease, is the condition in which the gums become infected with bacteria. Factors such as plaque accumulation, insufficient oral hygiene, smoking, and hormonal changes can cause gingivitis. It is felt with symptoms such as redness, swelling, bleeding, and bad breath. If left untreated, it progresses and accelerates tooth loss.
Brushing Hard: The correct brushing technique should be preferred for the gums to stay healthy. Applying excessive force when brushing the teeth can damage the gums. It is recommended that brushing be done more gently and with a soft-bristled toothbrush. The toothbrush should be applied to the surface of the teeth with light pressure and circular movements. Attention should be paid to routine oral cleaning.
Improperly Fitted Dentures: Dentures that do not fit properly can also trigger gingivitis. In this respect, it is important that dentures fit the mouth properly. Improperly fitted dentures can put pressure on the gums; they can cause irritation, redness, swelling, pain, and bleeding in the gums. This situation can increase the risk of infection and inflammation in the gums. To prevent the problem, dentures should be cleaned regularly. Care should be taken to remove them from the mouth before sleeping at night. In case of constant discomfort, a dentist should be consulted to have the dentures re-evaluated.
During Pregnancy: Due to the hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy and the effect of increased blood circulation in the body, gum problems can develop. To prevent gum bleeding during pregnancy, the teeth should be brushed regularly and dental floss should be used. Ensure oral hygiene with the correct brushing method and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not neglect dentist check-ups.
Unhealthy Diet: An unhealthy diet can increase the risk of gingivitis. Inflammation in the body and the weakening of the immune system can trigger the development of gingivitis. In addition, certain contents in processed foods can facilitate the formation of gingivitis. Antioxidants and minerals are valuable for the health of the gums. A deficiency of these elements can negatively affect gum health. It should not be forgotten that a healthy diet and good oral hygiene habits will help prevent gingivitis.
Some Medications: Some medications can have effects on gum health. For example; blood-thinning medications make blood clotting difficult. This can cause some problems in the gums. To avoid this problem, medications should be taken under expert supervision.
Smoking: Smoking, which contains many harmful substances such as nicotine, tar, formaldehyde, benzene, and arsenic, can cause gum diseases. For this reason, smoking should be avoided. Gum bleeding can be seen due to stress, which weakens the immune system. Therefore, it is beneficial to act consciously about stress management.