The sight of blood in the sink when you brush, or floss can be disturbing. This may be especially true if you notice blood frequently. Because this is one of the primary symptoms of gum disease, it is necessary to take bleeding gums seriously. When we can discern the underlying cause of bleeding (it may not be what you think), we are empowered to stop this problem in its tracks.
Why The Gums May Bleed
Gums may start to bleed at the early onset of inflammation. This doesn’t mean that infection has developed – at least not yet. So, if bleeding is a relatively new thing, there is a good reason to schedule a dental exam and cleaning right away. It could be that plaque, a sticky biofilm of debris and bacteria has accumulated around a few of the teeth in your mouth. A thorough dental cleaning can remove this debris, and also any tartar that has hardened to enamel. Once these irritants are removed, we can expect that bleeding will stop. Of course, there is a need for daily brushing and flossing as well as routine dental care moving forward.
Let’s say you have been really good about seeing your dentist, and you brush and floss daily, and you still see bleeding. Understandably, this could feel frustrating because you’re taking good care to avoid gingivitis and periodontitis. If you believe that bleeding only relates to inflammation and infection, you may sense that your efforts are failing. This may not be the case. Some studies suggest that bleeding gums may relate to certain deficiencies in nutrients.
If bleeding does not coincide with direct oral problems, it may be advantageous to have your vitamin C and K levels checked. Instead of formal lab work, you may add more leafy greens to your diet, as well as more citrus fruits. Together, the two can boost both vitamins that could be related to bleeding gums.
Finally, if you’re pregnant and you start to notice that your gums bleed frequently, you might chalk this problem up to the hormone changes your body is going through. Routine dental care is integral to a healthier pregnancy so should not be avoided during this momentous time.
Call the Beverly Hills office of Dr. David Frey at 310-276-4537 for personal dental care.
