One of the most common scenarios seen while routine brushing at one point in our lives or another. This should not be taken lightly, as it could be a simple injury due to brushing hard, as the bristles of the brush could be too hard or frayed. Or, it could be a sign of gum disease, i.e., Gingivitis.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, i.e., red, swollen gums that may bleed while brushing and will cause bad breath.
The most common cause of Gingivitis is Plaque buildup on teeth. Plaque is a naturally occurring biofilm formed by bacteria adhering to teeth and gums. Improper oral hygiene can also cause gingivitis as bacteria and plaque continue to infect the gums.
Plaque is usually cleaned by brushing, but if the area near the neck of the tooth is not brushed well, plaque mineralizes to form tartar/calculus. This allowed even more plaque to adhere to the tooth, leading to gum disease severity.
To diagnose the cause of bleeding gums, you need to visit a dental professional to rule out gum disease. The dental professional will advise you on an oral prophylaxis/ scaling and polishing to remove plaque and deposits to return the gums to a healthy state. The dentist also teaches you the correct technique of brushing, flossing to clean effectively and minimize plaque buildup for the future. The dentist also recommends follow-up to evaluate and recommends quarterly or semiannual cleanings, depending on the situation.
Gum disease treatment is important if left untreated can lead to periodontal disease, and teeth can get loose and fall out eventually.
Other causes of gingivitis are smoking, chewing tobacco, crooked, rotated, and overlapping teeth. Also seen due to hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, as the vascularity of the gums increases. Stress, mouth breathing, poor nutrition, e.g., high-carb diet, and reduced water intake can cause gingivitis. Diabetes and certain medications also cause gingivitis. Other non-plaque induced bleeding is seen in blood disorders, leukemia, and clotting disorders. Aspirin allergy, vitamin C deficiency cause bleeding gums. Dentures, braces, or irritated gums can cause bleeding gums.
Again, the dentist can help diagnose the cause, and treatment can be made to stop the symptoms.
Dr Husna Vhora
BDS, PGDEMS
General Dentist