Bleeding from some part of our body is usually related to injuries. When the blood comes from the gums, it is expected that there may be doubts about why they are bleeding and if it will be a sign that something terrible is happening. Oral health has gained relevance in recent years, and people have become more aware of the importance of taking care of our mouths. However, bleeding gums may be a symptom of a condition that does not necessarily have to be linked to damage to the mouth. In this FastlyHealarticle, we explain why gums bleed.
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The leading cause: gingivitis
The leading cause that explains why the gums bleed is the formation of dental plaque due to the accumulation of bacteria due to improper oral hygiene. The gums are sensitive and become inflamed when bacteria accumulate after eating meals and meals. This inflammation, known as gingivitis, can lead to periodontitis if left untreated. This occurs when inflammation and infection progress, damaging the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. The teeth can likely fall out at this point since they lose the “cement” that keeps them. Going to the dentist when gums are bleeding is essential to eliminate tartar or bacterial plaque and learn to adopt good daily oral hygiene habits.
Poor diet
A poor diet affects the proper functioning of our body, causing symptoms that can be witnessed internally and externally. The mouth comprises soft tissues that acquire a weaker structure without some essential nutrients. This situation implies a greater risk of being able to suffer oral damage due to the lack of essential vitamins or nutrients for the body. Therefore, one of the symptoms that can be witnessed is bleeding gums.
A deficiency of vitamin K can lead to more bleeding gums since it has a clotting function, and without it, the blood could not clot. This vitamin is acquired through food, such as vegetables, greens, fish, meat, cereals, and eggs.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal changes such as those that take place with pregnancy are another cause that may be behind bleeding gums. This is explained by a greater sensitivity of the gum tissue, which is why they are more likely to bleed. During pregnancy, half of the women usually have this symptom. It is also common for this symptom to appear during puberty or menopause and may disappear over time.
Smoke
Tobacco contains chemicals that directly contact the mouth, which can cause inflammation of the gums, causing the so-called gum disease that can become serious. Tobacco weakens the body’s defenses that help fight infections, making it more prone to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth and, consequently, the formation of dental plaque. This would imply a more significant risk when teeth can fall due to damage to the bone, as we explained in periodontitis.
Leukemia
Some types of leukemia, such as acute lymphocytic leukemia, cause the proliferation of immature lymphocytes and an increased risk of bruising and bleeding, both in the gums and the skin, nose, or other parts of the body. Likewise, it is also common for the flow of bleeding during menstruation to be heavier than usual.
Stress and some medications
It has been shown that high-stress levels can decrease the immune system as defenses are impaired. As a result, the mouth’s tissues can be weakened as the blood vessels dilate and their ability to heal diminishes.
Some medications can dry the mouth, making it easier to bleed. In addition, certain drugs, such as contraceptives or corticosteroids, can also contribute to easier bleeding of the gums.
When to go to the doctor
It is necessary to see a doctor when gum bleeding is detected in most cases. This is because many patients have to be treated, either through treatment at the dentist, through the prescription of food supplements, or others. Although it does not pose a high risk, taking care of oral health is essential, and we must consider the necessary measures to maintain good oral hygiene.
This article is merely informative; at FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do my gums bleed, we recommend that you enter our Teeth and mouth category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.