There are different reasons why gums bleed. Foods, diseases, or even brushing vigorously are some of the many causes. Whatever the reason is, gum swelling and bleeding are uncomfortable and may lead to bigger problems or even tooth loss.
Gums bleeding during brushing or flossing is not natural but can indicate underlying problems. The key to determining the most appropriate treatment and care is to understand the reasons. We will also suggest the best and worst foods for bleeding gums.
Causes of gum swelling and bleeding
Gum inflammation can cause irritation, pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness. This might indicate underlying periodontal problems like gingivitis or periodontitis. If you are facing these problems, it is essential to address them as soon as possible. It may lead to more serious issues like periodontitis or even tooth loss if it is left untreated. Here are some of the reasons for gum swelling and bleeding:
Periodontal Disease: Gingivitis & periodontitis are the most common causes of bleeding and swelling in gums.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to accumulate on teeth and gums, leading to gingivitis and eventually to more severe forms of gum disease.
Vitamin Deficiencies: Deficiencies of vitamins C or K can affect the health of gums and contribute to bleeding.
Medications: Some medications, such as anticoagulants (blood thinners), can cause gums to bleed more easily.
Smoking: Tobacco use can weaken the immune system and impair blood flow to the gums, making them more prone to infection and inflammation.
Medical Conditions: Certain systemic diseases like diabetes and leukemia can affect gum health and increase the risk of gum swelling and bleeding.
Stress: This factor can weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infections, including gum infections.
Poorly Fitting Dental Appliances: Braces, dentures, or other dental appliances that don’t fit properly can irritate the gums and cause swelling and bleeding.
Other causes include metabolic disorders such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid, hormonal changes during pregnancy may also trigger gum bleeding.
Gingivitis vs periodontitis: What do they mean?
There are a lot of healthy bacteria living in our mouth that help keep our teeth and mouth healthy. However, if there is an imbalance in these bacteria, it causes various oral problems and diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is derived from the Latin word gingivae, where gingi means gums and itis means inflammation. Therefore, gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums due to bacterial imbalance in our mouth.
Periodontitis, on the other hand, is derived from the Greek word peri, which means around, odous meaning tooth, and the suffix itis which means inflammation in medical terminology. Thus, periodontitis is the inflammation and destruction of the structure around the teeth. If gingivitis is not treated in the earlier stages, it develops into periodontitis. Gingivitis and periodontitis happen in stages, but it is a whole other topic.
What are the best foods for bleeding gums?
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, incorporating certain foods into your diet can help support gum health and reduce inflammation. Incorporate these foods for bleeding gums in your daily routine:
- Vitamin C-rich Foods: oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, and broccoli.
- Leafy Greens: spinach, kale, and Swiss chard.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
- Probiotic Foods: yoghurt (unsweetened and preferably plain), kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
- Nuts and Seeds: almonds, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
- Crunchy Vegetables and Fruits: Apples, carrots, and celery act.
Also, including turmeric, garlic, onion, and green tea in your diet is beneficial. Keep yourself hydrated. This promotes saliva production, which helps keep the mouth healthy.
A raw vegan diet is also seen to improve oral hygiene however, it has its risks. Therefore, a prescription from a dietitian is essential before opting for this diet. Foods containing Lactobacillus reuteri can reduce plaque and mild gingivitis. Foods like yoghurt, sourdough bread, kimchi, sweet potatoes, yams, artichokes, beans, kefir, etc. contain Lactobacillus reuteri, are some of the foods for bleeding gums.
Dr Saumya Saluja, Periodontal Surgeon (BDS, MDS), Delhi says, “Gum health can be supported by several foods’ rich in Vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. However, they are unable to address the underlying causes that result in bleeding and swollen gums. In addition, while a nutritious diet can help strengthen gums and reduce inflammation, it cannot take the place of routine dental hygiene procedures like brushing and flossing, which are crucial for preventing gum disease and plaque buildup. Therefore, proper management and treatment of any significant gum disease require competent dental care.”
What are the healthy habits to prevent gum swelling and bleeding?
Maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups is important to maintain good oral health. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently in circular motions to remove plaque from the gum line. Flossing daily helps clean the teeth, remove food particles, and prevent plaque formation in between the teeth. Rinse with an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce gingivitis-causing bacteria and plaque.
Schedule regular check-ups and professional cleanings with your dentist. They can detect early signs of gum disease and guide proper oral care. By adopting these healthy habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of gum swelling, bleeding, and other oral health problems.
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