Mar
Learning About the Major Cause of Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums is an indication of a person’s lack of proper oral care thereby increasing the chances of contacting gum diseases. The major cause of bleeding gums is bacteria finding their way through the mouth because they consider the environment suitable for their growth. Plaque is formed when food particles and residue stay in the teeth and gums when a person does not thoroughly clean the mouth area by brushing and flossing. In time, plaque formation becomes excessive and will become the suitable ground for bacteria to lodge and breed. This will lead to dental problems or diseases such as reddishness, irritability and bleeding gums resulting from gingivitis or periodontal diseases. Bleeding may also be caused by injury from trauma or brushing the teeth too hard.
Other causes of bleeding gums maybe the onset of diseases such as gingivitis; seen in individuals with swollen and tender gums. This disease is caused by lack of oral hygiene due to the excessive growth of bacteria inside the mouth feeding on the plaque and tartar formed in the tooth and around the gums. This will later lead to bleeding of the gums which should have been prevented by regular brushing and flossing of the teeth.
Periodontal problems will result from gingivitis that is left untreated. Gingivitis is a gum disease that will progress to damage of the bones supporting the teeth, recession of the gum lines and eventually, immature falling of the teeth or teeth loss. The signs and symptoms of this disease are bleeding and swelling of the gums; halitosis or bad breath and pus formation; and reddish or purplish discoloration of the gums. Oftentimes, this disease will result to degenerative diseases like diseases of the heart and stroke.
Brushing the teeth too hard will cause injury and damage to the gums, erosion of the teeth minerals and enamel, and increases the sensitivity of the teeth to acidic substances. The gums can also become tender because of hormonal changes that occur especially during the periods of pregnancy, puberty and menopause when the blood supply is increased. Deficiency of the nutrients needed for healthy gums such as Vitamins C and K will result to bleeding gums. Other factors that will lead to this condition are the use of improperly fitting dentures; insufficient flossing procedure; excessive smoking and chewing of tobacco; and the use of certain drugs such as nasal spray, oral contraceptives and anti-depressing medications.