Bleeding gums is not an isolated health issue, it impacts the overall oral health. It can also be a sign of another underlying health issue. Dr Ketan Vijay Singh Rajput, Periodontist and Oral Implantologist speaks on the cause and what patients of gum bleeding can do. You can access the full interview in the link below:
Q. What are the causes of bleeding gums?
There are various causes of bleeding gums. But the primary reason is the buildup of plaque or calculus. They are packed with a load of bacteria as well as saliva, and they together form a very hard, tenacious structure. It is difficult to clean them with a toothbrush. Other causes include vitamin C or vitamin K deficiencies, hormonal imbalances during puberty or pregnancy. Simultaneously, metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, hypertension thyroid) or even medications like blood thinners or aspirin can also result in gum bleeding. Sometimes, bleeding may occur due to the hard bristles of toothbrushes or if you go hard with it.
Q. What are the cautionary signals of gum bleeding?
If your gum has turned red or swollen, then this might be the initial signs of bleeding gums. To introduce the issue, you need to visit a dentist. Likewise, if you have stickiness in your mouth, when you have breath from your oral cavity that is easily noticeable by other people or you, that’s when you should visit your dentist.
Q. Can we compromise with bleeding gums?
Absolutely not. delaying any kind of infection, oral cavity would only cause it to increase more. It will turn harmful over a period of time as the infection will spread to the tooth supporting structure and eventually to the bone. That’s when your tooth will lose grip meaning tooth loss.To avoid all these visit your dentist as soon as possible. Bleeding gums also has a link to other diseases like cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks), then your blood pressure, hypertension, thyroids, then even rheumatoid arthritis or joint pains.
Q. How do hormonal imbalances play a role in this?
Hormonal imbalance during adolescence and pregnancy, blood supply to the gums increases. They become very sensitive to plaque or calculus and the oral situation is hyper there. Hence, a visit to a dentist in every other six months and oral prophylaxis is advisable.
Q. What are some self-care techniques or home treatments for bleeding guts?
As a dentist, we will always advise to visit a dentist before attempting any kind of self-treatment. But, in some cases, you can opt for medicated toothpastes aimed towards bleeding gums. Mouthwash and gum paints are other options. If you take precautionary oral measures, your chances of getting a bleeding gum decreases by 30%. But self-care alone doesn’t rule out any future possibility of getting an infection.
Q. What are the preventive measures of bleeding gums?
Prevention will always keep you one step ahead. There should be a healthy practice of visiting a dentist every six months to be in the safe zone. Brush your teeth twice daily but with techniques per your age group. Each concentrating on a different ground. You can add flossing too. Use mouthwashes to keep your oral cavity clean. Gurgle after eating anything. Strictly avoid sugar. Sugar shouldn’t deposit in the fissures or anywhere in the oral cavity.
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