Bleeding gums is a condition that indicates that the patient has gum disease, or suffers from a blood clotting disorder. Bleeding gums also often occur due to brushing your teeth too hard.
Other symptoms that accompany bleeding gums depend on the underlying cause. For example, bleeding gums caused by a blood clotting disorder, such as hemophilia, can cause other symptoms of bleeding in the nose (nosebleeds), or the presence of blood in the urine and stool. While bleeding gums caused by periodontitis, can be accompanied by bad breath (halitosis), pain when chewing food, and loose or loose teeth.
Causes of Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums can be caused by several disorders of the oral cavity, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is caused by a buildup of plaque at the gum line. Plaque that accumulates will harden into tartar, and the risk of causing bleeding in the gums. The periodontitis is gingivitis that is not treated. Periodontitis is characterized by infection of the gums, jawbone, and connective tissue that connects the teeth and gums.
In addition to diseases of the oral cavity, bleeding gums can also be caused by a number of factors, such as:
- The habit of brushing teeth too hard
- Use of a rough toothbrush
- Gums that have not adapted to the use of dental floss (dental floss)
- Improper use of dentures
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
- Pregnancy-related gum inflammationpregnancy gingivitis)
- Deficiency of vitamin C and vitamin K
- Diabetes
- Use of blood thinners
- Thrombocytopenia or lack of platelets or platelets, as in dengue fever
- Thrombocytosis or an excess of platelets with a number that is too high
- Leukemia or blood cancer
- Hemophilia or blood clotting disorders.
Bleeding Gums Diagnosis
To diagnose bleeding gums, doctors simply perform a physical examination of the patient's gums. Meanwhile, to find out the underlying cause, the doctor will ask about diet patterns and medications that are being consumed.
If necessary, the doctor will carry out supporting examinations, such as a complete blood count and X-ray examination. A complete blood count is performed if the doctor suspects the patient's bleeding gums are caused by a blood disorder, and an X-ray is performed if bleeding gums are suspected to be related to problems with the teeth and jaw area.
Bleeding Gums Treatment and Prevention
Treatment of bleeding gums depends on the underlying cause. For example, if bleeding gums are caused by gingivitis, the dentist may perform: dental scaling and root planing or root canal treatment. Both procedures aim to remove tartar and bacteria from the surface of the teeth, as well as under the gums. Doctors can also perform fillings to correct the position of the teeth, if there are cavities or uneven teeth, which make plaque difficult to clean.
In bleeding gums caused by periodontitis, scaling teeth and root canal treatment will also be performed. If there is an infection in the oral cavity, the doctor will give antibiotics. Meanwhile, in severe periodontitis, doctors can perform several surgical procedures, such as soft tissue grafts and bone grafts.
Other treatment methods for bleeding gums, can also be done as a method of prevention, including by carrying out the following steps:
- Perform dental checkups and treatments every 6 months.
- Gently brush your teeth 2 times a day, and use a soft toothbrush. It would be better if you brush your teeth after every meal.
- Use dental floss 2 times a day, to clean between the teeth and prevent plaque from forming.
- Gargle with salt water. Do not use mouthwash that contains alcohol.
- Do not consume foods or drinks that are too hot or too cold.
- Eat a balanced nutritious diet, and limit carbohydrate intake.
- Compress bleeding gums with a cloth soaked in ice water.
- Quit smoking to prevent bleeding gums from getting worse.
- See a dentist if your dentures or braces don't feel right.
- Discuss again with your doctor about the benefits and risks of taking blood thinners, and how to treat them if bleeding occurs.
- Meet the intake of vitamins, if the bleeding gums experienced is caused by a vitamin deficiency.
- Manage stress properly so that levels of the hormone cortisol do not increase and trigger inflammation, including in the gums.