BLEEDING GUMS-The Smile with Blood

       BLEEDING GUMS-The Smile with Blood

                                                                                By- Dr. ANKIT YADAV

Most of us suffer from this in our day-to-day life. In the morning, when we are brushing, we encounter sudden bleeding, Most of the time while we are spitting in the sink then blood mixed with toothpaste foam is seen. Aged people who use loosely fitted dentures also experience bleeding gums When we go to a restaurant for snacks and beverages and it strikes our gums and causes gum bleeding, that situation is embarrassing when you are on a date or in a meeting place. why don't we take it seriously? Why do we ignore it like it seems normal? Many times gum bleeding is the early sign of major damage to the health of a person. Good oral health with a smile attracts people and builds confidence in public dealing. Going to put the limelight on few causes of bleeding gums.

Causes of bleeding gums: -

     1.Faulty brushing technique

               Brushing and flossing is the main course in the morning time after we wake up. Sometimes, we are in hurry and made improper strokes of brushing and flossing and damage our gums. Some of us use hard bristles brushes for brushing that cause damage to our gums and cause gum bleeding.

     2.Gingivitis: -

               It is the inflammation of gingival tissue due to microorganisms. It can occur with a sudden onset for a short duration and can be painful. Gingivitis can be localized or generalized. It can occur due to poor oral hygiene, inadequate plaque removal, and calculus accumulation also the main factor associated with it.

     3.Vitamin deficiency: -

              Vitamin c and k have a significant role in bleeding gum. If there is no dental finding present for gum irritation then we go for lab testing of vitamin C and K in the body. Both of these are associated with bleeding disorders. The rich source of vitamin C are: -

Citrus food and juice, tomatoes, strawberries, broccoli. The rich source of vitamin K is: - spinach, soybeans, lettuce, olive oil.

     4.Periodontitis: -

               It is an advanced form of gingivitis. It includes the jawbone, supportive tissue, and gum infection. The tooth may be loose from its socket and it is associated with recurrent bleeding from gums and bad breath. Gums look red inflamed in color and swollen.

     5.Diabetes: -

               Both type 1 and type 2 shown warning signs of swollen gums and bleeding gum. Diabetes can cause the weak immune system of a person. The body of a person is not able to fight the microorganisms of the oral cavity and it may lead to bleeding gum. The healing capacity of the body is also delayed and that makes the prognosis poor.

     6.Leukemia: -

               Leukemia is a type of blood cancer. Leukemia can cause the platelet count low in our body and bleeding is stop by the accumulation of platelet at the site of the cut. Bleeding gums is also associated with leukemia

     7.Pregnancy: -

               In pregnancy, the level of hormones shifts in the female body. It may lead to bleeding gums and swollen gums. It is also known as pregnancy gingivitis. The hormone level alters the body's response to bacterial growth in the oral cavity, leading to bleeding gums.

     8.Anticoagulant medications: -

               Individuals who are on blood-thinning medications mostly aged people who had a history of stroke. These blood-thinning medications decrease the blood clotting ability of the body. This may lead to bleeding of gums when the gums are traumatized.

     9.Denture sores: -

               These are false teeth for those who don't have teeth in their oral cavity. Most aged people use this as a replica of dentition. Proper fitting of dentures is mandatory for proper functioning as well as proper cleaning and maintenance are equally important. If these conditions are not fulfilled, they irritate the underlying gums, leading to bleeding gums and ulceration in the oral cavity.

     10.Smoking and tobacco: -

               A patient who smokes is at greater risk of developing oral cancer, gum problem, and losing teeth. Due to smoking, the blood vessels are constricted and bleeding is less but due to smoking, the oxygen level of gums reduces and self-healing is delayed for the gums. If infection occurs it takes more time to fight back and damage is greater to gums.

Professional advises

1. Oral hygiene maintenance is as crucial as another body part free from disease. We cannot underestimate the bleeding from gums because many factors associated with it which are more dangerous to our health
2. Brushing and flossing with proper technique is recommended, changing the toothbrush after every three months. Visit the blog (toothbrush and its care) for more information.
3. In pregnancy suffering from gingivitis do mouthwash with brushing for good oral health. Visit the blog (mouthwash and its implications) for more information.
4. Diet rich in nutrients and with all vitamins and minerals avoid gum bleeding. Additional supplements of vitamin c &k are taking according to need.
5. Proper maintenance of dentures is also necessary to avoid infection and trauma. A regular visit to the dentist for review on the denture
6. Diabetic patients should control their sugar levels to avoid complications.
7. Patients on a blood thinner should consult their physician and their dentist for bleeding gums and any modifications in their medicine.
8. Visit your dentist every six months for a regular check-up
9. Professional scaling by a dentist is recommending if you are not able to maintain your oral hygiene. Visit my previous blog (oral hygiene aids) for more information.