What are Bleeding Gums?

Bleeding gums can indicate the presence of other disease, but it is the most common symptom of gum disease. Though when your gum bleeds occasionally, it may point to brushing your teeth too forcefully or wearing ill fitted dentures. When you gum bleeds frequently, it may point to more serious conditions such as:

Leukemia (blood cancer)
Periodontitis (Late stage gum disease)
Lack of platelets
Vitamin deficiency

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Causes of Bleeding Gums
Gingivitis

Gingivitis occurs when plaque (debris and bacteria that stick to your teeth) remains on gum lines for too long. Teeth brushing helps to remove plaque and to prevent you from developing cavities. If you don’t practice proper dental hygiene of brushing and flossing, it can cause plaque to remain on your gum line.

Leaving plaque on teeth for too long can cause it to harden into tartar, which will eventually increase gum bleeding. The buildup of plaque near your gums can cause gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include:

Bleeding gums
Soreness in mouth
Swollen gums

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Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an advanced form of gingivitis. Periodontal disease causes your gums, jawbone, and supportive tissues to become infected. It can cause your teeth to loosen or fall outPeriodontitis can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.

Vitamin deficiencies

Deficiencies of vitamin C and vitamin K can also cause bleeding gums. You may practice good dental hygiene but still have bleeding gums. Consult your doctor to check your vitamin C and K levels. You can eat foods rich in both nutrients.

Vitamin C rich foods includes: citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, and potatoes

Vitamin K rich foods includes: lettuce, spinach, kale, watercress, Swiss chard, Mustard greens, soybeans, olive oil, and canola oil.

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Other Causes of Bleeding Gums
Wearing of dentures can cause the gum to bleed, particularly when dentures fit too tightly. Consult your dentist if dentures or other oral appliances are causing your gums to bleed.

Also, some pregnant women tend to experience bleeding gums as a result of the hormonal changes which can cause the gums to get more sensitive.

Leukemia, a form of bleeding disorder, can equally lead to bleeding gums. If you are on blood-thinning medications like warfarin, heparin, and aspirin, your gums might bleed more often.

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Treatment of bleeding gums
The first step to managing bleeding gums is to practice good dental hygiene. Brushing and flossing properly can help to get rid of plaque from your gum line and reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

You can use an electric toothbrush which has specially designed brush heads to help you to clean your gum line properly.

Your dentist may also show you how to use an antiseptic mouthwash to eliminate plaque that forms in your mouth.

To sooth swollen gum that bleeds, use a rinse of warm salt water.

Use a soft toothbrush since it would be gentle on inflamed gums, particularly if your gum bleeds after brushing.

Visit your dentist at least twice yearly for professional cleaning. Your dentist will let you know if you have gingivitis and educate you on to brush your teeth properly.

Source: http://healthdiary365.com/bleeding-gums-possible-causes-and-treatment/