Bleeding gums are often a symptom of "gingivitis": a clinical condition manifested by swelling, pain and, indeed, gum bleeding.
In fact, the term gingivitis refers to a state of inflammation involving the gums, in most cases as a result of poor oral hygiene.
This is an inflammation that is not particularly serious, but if left untreated it can degenerate and affect the health of the teeth in general, with the risk of developing into periodontitis.
Let's look in detail at what it is, what it is caused by, and how to treat gingivitis.
The causes of gingival bleeding: what is gingivitis?
The most common causes of gingival bleeding are as follows:
- gingivitis
- Taking certain types of blood-thinning drugs
- The use of a hard-bristled toothbrush
Gingivitis, among those just mentioned, is undoubtedly the most frequent trigger, and it manifests itself in the teeth with redness and swelling.
Although it may seem to be a "worrisome" condition, in that it is capable of generating discomfort and, in some cases, even pain, gingivitis can be perfectly cured, the important thing being that certain precautions are scrupulously followed and attention is paid to the causes that triggered it, so as not to neglect it and, by this route, risk incurring so-called periodontitis.
When gingivitis appears, prompt action must be taken by contacting the dentist immediately to perform a status check of the teeth affected by the inflammation.
Gingivitis is manifested by intense burning and redness, and in many cases you may notice blood leaking out when you brush your teeth.
The causes of gingivitis: why is it important to treat it promptly?
Typical symptoms of gingivitis are these: redness, swelling and bleeding. In some cases, an uncomfortable sensation of warmth at the gumline may be present.
These manifestations are generally caused by plaque buildup on the teeth, and bacteria are precisely the main trigger for this inflammatory state.
Therefore, it is essentially a bacterial condition, although another equally frequent cause cannot be ruled out: sometimes gingivitis can be caused by traumatizing movements on the teeth, such as exaggeratedly forceful brushing.
The trigger for gingivitis could also be related to hormones, particularly during pregnancy (in which case gingivitis is referred to in medical jargon as "gingivitis gravidarum" or in adolescence).
In some cases the problem may arise because of vitamin deficiency, but there are some decidedly aggravating factors that can promote its occurrence.
These are mainly the following:
- smoke
- stress
- diabetes
- Taking antidepressants or cortisone-based drugs
- hormone treatments
- antiepileptic drugs
But let us now turn to how to treat gingivitis and how to stop gum bleeding.
What is the treatment of gingivitis?
In case of gum inflammation, it is important to seek medical help. As a preventive measure, however, while waiting for medical findings, it is advisable to follow scrupulous oral hygiene, brushing the teeth every day for at least three times after main meals, and avoiding the intake of acidic foods such as citrus fruits, vinegar, and tomatoes (these could significantly aggravate the inflammation).
It is also advisable to change your toothbrush immediately, using one with soft bristles to avoid aggravating gum bleeding. Next, it is important to see a specialist to have your teeth cleaned; this is a good rule of thumb and should be done periodically.
