Dental plaque buildup causes gum bleeding, a common symptom of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of gum disease. However, bleeding gums can also indicate other issues such as teeth grinding, diabetes, hormone fluctuations, and vitamin deficiencies.
Bleeding Gums Disease
Bleeding gums is a condition where the gums are damaged, leading to bleeding from the tooth socket or gum tissue. This can be an early sign of gingivitis – one of the most common oral diseases caused by plaque and bacteria buildup. If left untreated, this condition can progress to more serious issues related to gum disease. Additionally, bleeding gums can also reflect systemic health conditions, related to diseases such as diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, or immune suppression.
18 Causes of Bleeding Gums
1. Gingivitis causing bleeding gums
Gingivitis is a condition where the gums become irritated and swollen due to plaque accumulation at the gum line. This is an early sign of oral disease, causing bleeding gums when brushing or eating. If not properly cared for, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, severely affecting oral health. To control gingivitis, you should practice proper oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, using antibacterial mouthwash, and visiting the dentist regularly for scaling and plaque removal.
2. Periodontitis destroying the bone supporting the tooth root
If gingivitis is not treated promptly, it can progress to periodontitis, a serious condition that damages gum tissue and destroys the bone supporting the tooth root. Periodontitis can lead to loose teeth, receding gums, bad breath, oral discomfort, and even permanent tooth loss. Common symptoms of periodontitis include prolonged gum bleeding, swollen, soft, painful gums, changes in bite, and the appearance of pus pockets or foul-smelling discharge.
3. Tooth abscess, dangerous and requires immediate treatment
A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacteria, appearing at the tooth root (periapical abscess) or in the gum area (periodontal abscess). This is a serious infection that can cause severe pain, facial swelling, high fever, and affect overall health if not treated promptly.
4. Oral cancer
Oral cancer is a serious disease that directly affects the oral cavity structure and overall health. Early symptoms are often mistaken for gum diseases such as bleeding gums, mouth sores, bad breath, swollen gums, difficulty eating, or the appearance of lumps in the oral cavity. When it develops, malignant tumors can compress adjacent tissues, invade gum blood vessels, causing unexplained bleeding gums. If you experience this condition frequently, consult a dentist for early examination and timely treatment.
5. Bleeding gums due to diabetes
Diabetes increases the amount of sugar in saliva, creating a favorable environment for bacteria and plaque to grow. When plaque accumulates, gums become easily irritated, leading to gum disease, inflammation, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Diabetics often have red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. If blood sugar levels are not well controlled, gum inflammation can progress rapidly. Studies show that people who manage their diabetes well have a lower risk of gum disease and less tooth loss due to periodontal disease.
6. Bleeding gums due to leukemia
Unexplained bleeding gums can be an early warning sign of leukemia. This condition can be accompanied by other symptoms such as gum and tongue bruising, mouth ulcers, and unusual gum swelling.
7. Thrombocytopenia due to blood disorders
Thrombocytopenia is a blood disorder that occurs when the number of platelets in the blood decreases abnormally. This condition can increase the risk of bleeding gums, easy bruising, or hemorrhage in the gums and other organs.
8. Blood clotting disorders: Hemophilia and von Willebrand disease
If you frequently experience bleeding gums, or bleed from small cuts or scratches, it’s possible you have Hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. These are bleeding disorders that prevent blood from clotting normally, increasing the risk of hemorrhage in many areas, including the gums.
9. Vitamin C deficiency: A common cause of bleeding gums
Vitamin C plays an important role in tissue regeneration, wound healing, and strengthening bone and tooth health. When vitamin C is deficient, you may experience swollen gums, bleeding gums, and various other oral problems.
10. Vitamin K deficiency affecting blood clotting
A lack of vitamin K in the body can cause bleeding gums due to its impact on blood clotting ability. The cause often stems from a poor diet or poor absorption, leading to an increased risk of uncontrolled bleeding.
11. Incorrect brushing
Many people mistakenly believe that brushing vigorously will remove plaque more effectively. However, this can damage gums, cause bleeding gums, and even lead to gum recession. When choosing a toothbrush, prioritize one with soft nylon bristles to protect tooth enamel and gums. Additionally, use gentle circular motions instead of back-and-forth brushing to avoid gum irritation.
12. Incorrect flossing
Dental floss is an important tool for removing plaque in areas a toothbrush cannot reach. However, improper technique can damage gums, causing swelling or bleeding gums. Instead of pulling the floss forcefully between teeth, you should gently slide it along the curve of each tooth to maintain oral hygiene without causing damage.
13. Effects of cancer chemotherapy
People undergoing cancer chemotherapy often experience side effects such as mucositis, mouth sores, swollen and painful gums, and easy bleeding gums. Careful oral hygiene during treatment can help alleviate these conditions.
14. Effects of tobacco
Tobacco use not only harms overall health but also severely affects gums and tooth enamel. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, with symptoms such as sensitive gums, bleeding, and sores. Limiting or quitting tobacco is the best way to protect your mouth from serious problems.
15. Hormonal changes affecting gums
In women, hormonal changes during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause can impact gum health. During puberty, blood flow to gum tissue increases, making gums red, swollen, and sensitive. During menstruation, some women experience gingivitis, leading to bleeding and swollen gums just before their period. During pregnancy, gingivitis often begins in the second or third month and lasts until the eighth month, causing pain, swelling, and bleeding gums. Oral contraceptive use can also cause similar issues. For menopausal women, though less common, they may experience dry gums, pain, and bleeding.
16. Dengue fever and the risk of bleeding gums
Dengue fever can lead to dangerous complications, including bleeding gums. Warning signs of severe illness include: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums or nose, usually appearing 1-2 days after the fever starts.
17. Bleeding gums due to dental trauma
Strong impact to the teeth can damage gums, leading to bleeding gums. To quickly stop the bleeding, you can use a clean gauze pad or a warm tea bag, applying gentle pressure to the injured area to help the blood clot.
18. Gum bleeding after dental surgery
Procedures such as tooth extraction, dental implants, or root canal treatment can damage gum tissue, causing bleeding. This phenomenon will gradually subside as the wound heals. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions to avoid complications.
Is Bleeding Gums Dangerous?
Bleeding gums can be a warning sign of many health problems, from gingivitis and gum infections to more serious diseases. In the early stages, this condition may stem from gum damage caused by bacterial inflammation. However, if not treated promptly, it can lead to many dangerous complications such as:
Affecting cardiovascular health: Bacteria from gingivitis can enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of infection and causing cardiovascular damage.
Negative impact on pregnant women: Studies show that bacteria from the mouth can spread through the blood, affecting the fetus, increasing the risk of premature birth or low birth weight.
To protect oral and overall health, maintain regular dental check-ups so your dentist can examine, advise, and provide appropriate treatment. Do not neglect bleeding gums, as this could be a sign of more serious issues!
Effective Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums
1. Use a hemostatic gauze pad
When experiencing bleeding gums, you can use a clean, moist hemostatic gauze pad and apply gentle pressure to the affected area. Hold it in place until the bleeding stops. For those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions, the bleeding may take longer to stop.
2. Apply ice to reduce swelling
Apply ice to the tooth by placing a small ice cube, an ice pack, or a cold compress on the swollen and bleeding gum area. This method helps soothe mouth wounds, reduce gum inflammation, and effectively control pain. Apply for 10 minutes, then rest for 10 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, you should see a dentist immediately.
3. Use antibacterial mouthwash
Using antibacterial mouthwash is an effective way to eliminate bacteria, reduce inflammation, and soothe damaged gum areas. Antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide help treat and prevent gingivitis – the main cause of bleeding gums. Use mouthwash as directed to improve oral hygiene and maintain gum health.
4. Rinse with warm salt water
Rinsing with warm salt water helps kill bacteria, clean the mouth, and accelerate the healing process. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in 250ml of warm water, rinse thoroughly, then spit it out. Repeat several times a day or as directed by your dentist to reduce swelling, help heal bleeding gums, and maintain long-term oral health.
5. Use black tea bags
Apply a slightly damp black tea bag to the bleeding gum, hold it in place, and apply gentle pressure to help the blood clot. Thanks to its tannic acid content, black tea helps stop bleeding quickly and improves gingivitis and gum inflammation.
6. Drink chamomile tea
Drinking chamomile tea is not only good for health but also helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and effectively controls gingivitis and gum inflammation. The abundant vitamin C content in chamomile helps strengthen blood vessel walls, limit bleeding gums, and maintain gum health.
7. Rinse with honey and green tea
A simple way to reduce bleeding gums is to use honey combined with green tea leaves. Boil the tea leaves, then mix the tea water with honey and rinse your mouth for 3-4 minutes. This mixture helps fight bacteria, reduce inflammation, and strengthen gum health. No need to rinse again after use.
8. Use medication as directed by a doctor
If bleeding gums persist, your doctor may prescribe certain medications such as Amoxicillin or Metronidazole to control the infection. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and never self-medicate without consulting a doctor.
9. Limit processed foods and sugary foods
Starchy foods and processed foods can increase the risk of gingivitis and bleeding gums by creating a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. When consuming refined bread, pastries, cookies, or potato chips, starch easily adheres to teeth and breaks down into sugar, causing bacteria to multiply and harm the gums.
10. Add crunchy vegetables to your diet
Crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots help clean teeth naturally due to their crisp texture, removing plaque between meals. Moreover, they are low in sugar and carbohydrates, helping to reduce the risk of tooth decay and effectively maintain oral hygiene.
11. Maintain a balanced diet
A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps strengthen oral health. Especially, green leafy vegetables like kale, lettuce, and spinach contain abundant vitamin K, which supports the blood clotting process. Vitamin K deficiency can increase the risk of bleeding gums and affect overall health.
12. Use turmeric powder to reduce gum inflammation
Turmeric powder contains curcumin, a compound with strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps reduce swelling and inflammation, and limits gingivitis and bleeding gums. You can apply a small amount of turmeric powder to your gums, hold for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Although turmeric is yellow, it will not stain teeth if cleaned properly.
13. Choose and use the right toothbrush
If you have sensitive gums, prioritize an ultra-soft toothbrush or one specifically designed for sensitive teeth. Using a toothbrush with overly hard bristles can cause damage, even leading to bleeding gums. For effective oral hygiene, brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day, and replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are worn.
14. Clean between teeth properly with dental floss or a water flosser
Gentle and regular flossing helps improve oral health, prevent gum disease, and reduce gum bleeding over time. If you are not used to flossing, you can substitute with a water flosser, which helps clean plaque between teeth before brushing.
15. Limit smoking to protect gums
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking is a leading cause of gum disease. Tobacco smoke weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off bacteria that attack the gums and slows down tissue recovery when damaged. Quitting smoking not only improves oral health but also provides long-term benefits for the entire body.
Bleeding Gums: When to See a Dentist?
Bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease or serious oral problems. If you notice your gums are painful, red, or bleed frequently despite maintaining proper oral hygiene, see a dentist for an examination. This could be an early sign of gingivitis, infection, or other oral diseases. Especially, if swelling, fever, or facial swelling appears, you should see a doctor immediately to avoid dangerous complications.
Some factors such as vitamin C deficiency, vitamin K deficiency, pregnancy, or underlying medical conditions can also increase the risk of bleeding gums. If this symptom does not subside despite applying home care measures, you should seek advice from a medical professional.
Regular dental check-ups help detect and prevent gum disease from progressing seriously, avoiding the risk of infection and tooth loss. Furthermore, regular oral examinations also help detect other dangerous conditions such as oral cancer, ensuring comprehensive oral health.
Effective Ways to Prevent Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are a warning sign of gum disease, which can stem from various causes. To prevent bleeding gums, you should maintain proper oral hygiene habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle:
Proper oral care: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, combined with dental floss to remove plaque between teeth.
Replace toothbrush regularly: Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months to ensure cleaning effectiveness.
Visit the dentist regularly: Routine dental check-ups help detect problems early and remove tartar, preventing gingivitis.
Regular general health check-ups: Some medical conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of gum disease, so it’s advisable to see a doctor regularly to monitor your health.
Limit smoking: It’s best to quit smoking as it weakens gum tissue and increases the risk of inflammation.
Adopt a healthy diet: Supplementing with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and limiting processed foods and sweets helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
My Auris Dental – A reliable address to help you with comprehensive oral care. With a team of experienced doctors, modern equipment, and 5-star standard services, My Auris commits to providing professional, safe, and effective treatment experiences.
