Bleeding gums can be a common early sign that something is wrong with your oral health, but they can also indicate other issues. The causes of bleeding gums can range from external things like the mechanics of your brushing and flossing, to deeply internal things like systemic illness, with much variety in between. The most common reason gums bleed, though, is ineffective oral hygiene. Plaque is a naturally occurring biofilm, largely composed of saliva and bacteria, that coats the teeth at all times. When we brush and floss, we’re removing much of this accumulated bacteria, and floss helps us get to plaque beneath the gum line, but it’s inevitable that some plaque will be left behind, where it calcifies and permanently affixes to the teeth. This calcified plaque is called tartar, and it can only be removed by a dental professional in a clinical setting. When tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth, more plaque and tartar inevitably build up, nestling between the gums and the teeth and causing inflammation in the gums. Early on, this inflammation, known as gingivitis, is often indicated by bleeding gums. When gingivitis isn’t treated, it develops into periodontitis, gradually destroying all the oral tissues and leading to the loss of teeth and bone.
Ironically, some people’s gums bleed not because of insufficient brushing, but because they brush too hard or with a too-hard brush. Brushing with firm, horizontal strokes is a surefire way to irritate the gum tissue and cause it to bleed and recede. Use a soft-bristled brush, held gently and moved in small circles on each tooth, brushing away from the gum line to loosen debris that may be lingering there. Make sure you floss carefully, too, gently curving the floss along the tooth at the gums without stabbing or pressing floss into the gums. If you struggle with the mechanics of gentle yet thorough oral hygiene, you might prefer to use an electric toothbrush, a water flosser, or both, as these tools can help control the amount of pressure and friction on the gums.
Sometimes, dental appliances like braces or dentures can rub against the gums and induce bleeding. This is a sure sign that the dental appliance needs an adjustment, and you should see your dentist or orthodontist for a simple fix. At other times, vitamin deficiencies can cause the gums to bleed. Specifically, vitamin C and vitamin K are integral to the function of the immune system and the ability to heal properly, possibly leading to conditions that include symptoms like bleeding gums. While we tend to have less control over our hormonal systems, these, too, can lead to irregular bleeding gingiva. Drastic changes in hormone levels, like those that occur during puberty or pregnancy, can increase sensitivity in the gums and make them more prone to bleeding, and routine dental visits during pregnancy are extra important.
Certain medications can affect the blood or weaken the gums, like blood thinners or immunosuppressants, and other medications may increase the likelihood of inflammation in the gums and in other tissues. If you notice that your gums have started bleeding, or if you see any other novel symptoms after starting a new medication, see your doctor or dentist. Certain health conditions can also increase the likelihood of bleeding gums; if your gums bleed frequently or severely, or if bleeding is accompanied by symptoms like fatigue, swollen glands, fever, or bruising, see your doctor to root out the cause. While bleeding gums could be a simple indication that it’s time to pay better attention to your oral hygiene, they could also point to much larger health issues that require medical attention. See your dentist regularly, and don’t ignore any persistent or unusual symptoms, including frequent bleeding, that could mean there’s something more significant going on.