Diseases That Cause Gums to Bleed

Most forms of gum disease are caused by plaque. This sticky substance traps food and bacteria against the gum line. Over time, bacteria attack the gums, triggering inflammation and sensitivity. Without treatment, the problem can worsen, and the gums may bleed while eating, brushing, or flossing. Gum problems have also been linked to heart disease and stroke. Often, smoking and poor oral hygiene are to blame for gum disease. However, some patients may be prone to gum disease even if they brush and floss daily. Pregnant women are at a high risk of gum disease, and so are people with diabetes. Patients who wear dentures are more likely to develop gum disease, too. In rare cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of a severe condition like leukemia. Patients who notice bleeding gums should seek dental care right away. Our team can determine the source of the problem and arrange any necessary follow-up testing.

Mouth Injuries

Gums may also bleed after a common mouth injury. Patients may notice bleeding after eating sharp foods or suffering a sports injury. More minor injuries may heal on their own, but severe dental bleeding can be dangerous. Seek medical care right away if you experience heavy or uncontrolled bleeding. Taking some quick and easy precautions can help prevent dental injuries. For example, wearing a mouthguard protects the teeth and gums while playing sports. Avoid sharp foods like chips and hard candies, and never use your teeth to cut or tear objects. Keep appliances like dentures and retainers in good shape—damaged or ill-fitting appliances can cause serious mouth injuries. If your device no longer fits, contact our dental team for a replacement.

Factors That Cause Gum Bleeding

• Smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco increase one's risk for gum disease by drying out the mouth and reducing blood flow to the gums.
• Poor diet and vitamin deficiencies can lead to gum recession and bleeding. Blood tests can identify deficiencies, and supplements can help resolve the issue.
• Certain prescription medications, such as blood thinners including aspirin, can increase the risk of oral bleeding. Patients experiencing bleeding while on these drugs need immediate attention.

How to Stop Gums from Bleeding

Patients with bleeding gums sometimes stop brushing and flossing out of concern. However, poor oral hygiene only worsens the underlying problem. It’s essential to continue brushing twice daily, even if gums bleed. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and apply gentle pressure. After brushing, floss carefully to remove trapped debris. Our team may also recommend a specially formulated mouthwash or a saltwater rinse. These treatments help clear infection, reduce gum inflammation, and prevent plaque buildup, which is a key step in treating gum disease.

Post-Visit Care

Good dental hygiene can reduce gum bleeding over time. During each office visit, our team demonstrates proper brushing and flossing techniques. We also recommend suitable mouth rinses to help reduce inflammation. Your personalized treatment plan will include specific instructions on how to care for your gums once you return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Should I be concerned about bleeding gums? A: Yes. Bleeding gums can signify an underlying health problem such as gingivitis, vitamin deficiencies, or a bleeding disorder. If you notice inflamed or bleeding gums, contact your dental provider for an evaluation.
• Q: What causes gum bleeding? A: Bleeding gums are usually a sign of gingivitis, which develops when plaque and bacteria become trapped against the gum line. Other causes include pregnancy, prescription drugs, vitamin deficiencies, poor brushing habits, and ill-fitting dental appliances.
• Q: How is gum bleeding treated? A: Treatment begins with identifying the cause of your symptoms. For gingivitis, we perform scaling and root planing to remove plaque and bacteria below the gum line. For other causes, we provide appropriate interventions and demonstrate proper brushing and appliance adjustments.
• Q: Is it normal for gums to bleed while flossing? A: No. Healthy gums should not bleed, even during flossing or a dental checkup. If your gums bleed while flossing, schedule an appointment so we can evaluate for signs of gum disease.
• Q: Are bleeding gums linked to pregnancy? A: Yes. Up to 40% of pregnant women experience gum disease due to hormonal changes that increase susceptibility. Maintain regular dental checkups during pregnancy and notify us of any new symptoms to prevent progression.

Periodontic Terminology

• Calculus: Hardened dental plaque (tartar) that forms on teeth when oral hygiene is lacking.
• Gingival Flap Surgery: A procedure in which the gums are temporarily separated from the teeth to reach the root surface and adjacent bone.
• Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases: Conditions involving necrosis of gingival tissues and oral lesions.
• Periapical Abscess: A pus-filled infection at the root of a tooth caused by bacterial invasion.
• Periodontal Ligament: The connective tissue that anchors the tooth to the surrounding bone, which can be destroyed by advanced periodontal disease.
• Periodontitis: A severe gum infection resulting from poor oral hygiene that damages soft tissue and destroys supporting bone.
• Periodontium: The tissues that surround and support the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone.
• Root Scaling and Planing: A non-surgical procedure to remove plaque and calculus from periodontal pockets and smooth the root surfaces to promote healing.