Why do Gums bleed? Know its Causes, Symptoms and Home remedies

2022-01-04 18:59:26

Bleeding gums are the most common signs of gum disease which also indicates many other health problems. Sometimes bleeding gums can also be caused by sharp brushing or wearing dentures that don't fit properly. Apart from this, frequent bleeding gums can also be due to many serious underlying conditions which include periodontitis: an advanced form of gum disease, vitamin deficiency, platelet deficiency, hormonal changes during pregnancy, etc. However, a little bleeding in the gums is not a big deal but if a person's gums are bleeding continuously or excessively, then it should not be ignored at all.

Symptoms of Bleeding gums

• Swelling of gums
• Pain in the mouth and gums
• Dark red or reddish-purple gums
• Pain in the gums only on touching
• Gapping between gums and teeth
• Bad taste in the mouth
• Loss of teeth etc.

Causes of Bleeding gums

Vitamin C deficiency-

When a person's diet does not include enough fruits and vegetables, then there is a deficiency of Vitamin-C in his body. These cause pain and swelling in the gums due to which the gums start bleeding.

Liver diseases-

Any type of liver disease and disease caused by alcohol obstructs the functions of the liver which leads to gum bleeding.

Cancer-

Some types of cancer such as leukemia or bone marrow cancer can also cause bleeding gums.

Vitamin K deficiency-

Vitamin K is an important element for the clotting process in the body. Therefore,  due to deficiency of Vitamin K in the body, there is an increased tendency of bleeding in any part of the body including the gums.

Hormonal changes in women-

This usually happens during pregnancy. It starts in the second or third month of pregnancy and lasts till the eighth month. Due to this there is pain, swelling and bleeding of gums. Some birth control products taken by mouth can also cause bleeding gums.

Poor oral hygiene-

When the gums are swollen, they bleed and this is what happens when people are unable to keep their teeth clean. This causes problems in the gums and they become red. As a result, swelling and pain occur due to which the gums start bleeding.

Crooked teeth-

It is very difficult to clean crooked teeth because food gets stuck between them. This causes the gums to swell and bleed.

Gum injury-

It occurs by brushing with more pressure, using a brush with more rigid hair or by rubbing the gums more vigorously than with a datun (datun of neem etc.) which leads to gum injury.

Medicines-

Certain medicines, including those given for heart attack and stroke (aspirin), epilepsy, cancer and chemotherapy can cause bleeding gums.

Measures to prevent Bleeding gums

• Regularly get your gums tested by a dentist
• Change the toothbrush in every 3 months
• Take a balanced diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Be aware of overly hot or cold foods and beverages
• Do not consume tobacco products

Home remedies for Bleeding gums

Coconut oil-

Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties which relieves the problem of swelling and bleeding of gums. The anti-microbial properties present in this oil keep the teeth clean. To use it, keep swirling coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes. Do this atleast once a day.

Clove oil-

Clove oil is rich in anti-bacterial properties which prove to be extremely beneficial for bleeding gums. For this, take a few drops of clove oil and heat it a little. Apply this warm clove oil on the gums twice a day. Leave it on the gums for about 5-10 minutes and then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Salt water-

Regular use of salt water is one of the effective home remedies for bleeding gums because it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties which are useful in reducing inflammation and infection in the gums. For use, mix a little amount of salt with some warm water and rinse the mouth with it. Do this about 2-3 times a day for better results.

Vitamin-

One of the reasons for bleeding gums is the lack of vitamins in the body. Therefore it can be prevented by consuming the right dosage of vitamins. For this, consume food which is rich in vitamin C and vitamin-K. Consumption of lemon, gooseberry, orange, carrot can be beneficial.

Honey-

Honey possesses antibacterial properties to fight bacterial infections like swollen and bleeding gums. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce gum inflammation. Therefore, take a little honey and then massage the gums lightly. Do this at least twice a day.

When to go to the doctor?

One should see a doctor in the following cases-

• In case of prolonged and severe bleeding gums.
• If bleeding doesn’t stop even after treatment.