What is bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums refer to bleeding that comes from your gum tissue. If you notice blood while brushing your teeth, you most likely have bleeding gums.
This can also happen, for example, when eating a crunchy roll or a very sour pineapple—you suddenly notice a bit of blood in your mouth. Most of the time, you don't feel it.
What causes bleeding gums?
Bleeding gums can have various causes. If it's due to a crunchy roll or pineapple, it's usually not a big deal.
However, there are other, more serious reasons for it.
1. Bleeding gums as a consequence of an unhealthy diet
An unhealthy and unbalanced diet not only affects your body in general but also takes a toll on your gums.
When your body is deprived of essential nutrients, your immune system is weakened as a result.
Your gums become
- less resilient,
- more susceptible to damage,
- and bacteria find it particularly easy to invade.
Thus, a nutrient deficiency can manifest in your gums, and bleeding gums can be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, particularly a lack of vitamin C.
A protein deficiency can also lead to bleeding gums. Given the complexity of nutrients, it is advisable to consult with experts and take a holistic approach.
2. Health issues and diseases
In rare cases (don't panic—remember, those who google diseases online are practically already dead…), bleeding gums can be a sign of a serious condition. For example:
- blood clotting disorders,
- diabetes mellitus,
- or HIV can lead to increased bleeding gums.
Herpes viruses
or fungi can also be behind frequent and severe gum bleeding.
3. Bleeding gums as a side effect of certain medications
Certain medications can cause bleeding gums as a side effect. These include:
- blood-thinning medications, known as anticoagulants,
- or a strong painkiller called oxycodone.
If you've recently been prescribed a new medication by your doctor and have noticed more frequent bleeding gums, it might be worth taking a closer look at the package insert.
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4. Bleeding Gums During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are indeed more frequently confronted with bleeding gums. This has a completely natural and harmless cause.
Bleeding gums during pregnancy are encouraged by hormonal changes. These changes increase blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive overall. This can also lead to swelling in the spaces between the teeth.
For this reason, gentle dental care is especially advisable during pregnancy.
5. Injured Oral Mucosa
Bleeding gums can also be caused by something as simple as:
- small injuries, which can happen due to hard or highly acidic foods,
- brushing your teeth with too much pressure,
- using hard toothbrushes,
- or even toothpicks.
How Can I Stop Bleeding Gums?
So, what helps against bleeding gums? The best remedies for bleeding gums, as is often the case in life, are also the simplest.
1. Don’t Forget to Brush Your Teeth
Good and regular oral hygiene prevents bleeding gums. This way, you can avoid:
- the buildup of harmful bacteria
- and plaque
- and prevent inflammation that can cause bleeding gums.
Next time you brush your teeth, try the organic tooth powders from Teethlovers. They gently and thoroughly clean your teeth and effectively prevent cavities. The 100% natural formula is especially gentle and free from any additives.
2. Pay Attention to a Balanced Diet
Eat fresh, balanced meals and get enough vitamins. In a healthy body without nutrient deficiencies, the gums are also healthy.
3. Remember Your Interdental Spaces
Clean your interdental spaces—preferably several times a week—with dental floss or interdental brushes.
This prevents food particles and bacteria from accumulating in places that your toothbrush can’t reach, which can lead to inflammation and bleeding gums.
4. Use Suitable Dental Care Products
Choose a good, high-quality dental care product. Foaming agents, emulsifiers, fluoride, and overly abrasive toothpastes can harm your oral flora and gums.
5. Home Remedies for Bleeding Gums
Normally, bleeding gums will stop on their own after a few moments. However, you can also stop it with a suitable home remedy.
Chamomile and sage tea are reliable against bleeding and inflammation. Simply gargle several times a day. Apple cider vinegar is also effective against bleeding gums. Stir two tablespoons into a glass of water and gargle it about half an hour before brushing your teeth. The vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates saliva production.
Bleeding Gums in Children
Bleeding gums in children is generally similar to what happens in adults.
It's important to ensure that children maintain regular and good oral hygiene and follow a balanced diet. However, in children, bleeding gums can also have a completely normal and harmless cause: When a baby tooth is loose, it can roughen the gums or cause small injuries until it finally falls out.
For more information on dental hygiene for children, check out the article on Children’s Tooth Powder.
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General Rule: Healthy Gums Don’t Bleed
Bleeding gums always indicate an inflammation or injury.
In most cases, it’s harmless and subsides after a short time. However, if you regularly experience bleeding gums, you should see a dentist. Depending on the cause, this can prevent further damage early on and allow the problem to be accurately diagnosed and treated.
Conclusion
Bleeding gums should always be examined. Very often, it is related to insufficient or improper oral hygiene. It’s also worth taking a closer look at oral care and suitable products for maintaining the health of your mouth on a daily basis!