What are the causes of bleeding gums?

1. Gingivitis
2. Vitamin Deficiencies
3. Improper Brushing and Flossing
4. Poor Diet
5. Smoking or Vaping
6. Stress

There are many different causes why we see blood while we brush our teeth. It’s not a nice sight, and it’s up to you to get to the root of the issue whether it be because of stress, improper brushing, or even gum disease.

Knowing this can help you take the proper steps to improve your oral health and prevent further complications. Keep reading this blog post to learn more about the different causes of bleeding gums and how you can address them to keep your smile bright and healthy.

Gingivitis

Your gums can start to bleed when plaque or tartar isn’t properly removed along the gum line.

This is a sign that you may have Gingivitis. Many of its symptoms revolve around tender and swollen gums, redness, halitosis or bad breath, and more. Additionally, plaque buildup around the gum line can collect bacteria that lead to bleeding and sensitivity of gums.

You can book an appointment with your dentist here at Elevate Dental to set your appointment for our teeth cleaning services. We use airflow to make sure that the process is as pleasant as possible!

Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamin C and vitamin K deficiencies can also cause your gums to bleed. For this reason, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor for a routine check-up to see if everything is alright. That will be your opportunity to get tests done to see if all vitamin levels in your blood are okay.

If it’s confirmed that you have vitamin deficiencies, ensure that you’re getting the vitamins you need. Here are some of the food you can eat!

Vitamin C

• Broccoli
• Strawberries
• Tomatoes
• Potatoes
• Bell pepper
• Citrus fruits and juices

Vitamin K

• Kale
• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Mustard greens
• Soybeans
• Canola oil
• Olive oil
• Watercress

Improper Brushing and Flossing

Overly aggressive brushing can cause your gums to bleed. While healthy gums can tolerate some degree of vigorous brushing, it’s unnecessary to brush vigorously for longer than two minutes to clean your teeth and gums effectively.

It’s also a good idea to replace your toothbrush every three to four months, especially when you start seeing the bristles frayed. These can further irritate your gums.

In addition to brushing, your gums may also bleed due to flossing. This often occurs when you don’t floss regularly, and you may notice minor bleeding in your gums. If you experience bleeding in your gums every time you floss, it’s recommended to consult your dentist for proper evaluation and treatment.

Poor Diet

Some ingredients in processed food can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed. This often happens when food gets stuck between your teeth and breaks down into sugar, which may contribute to bacteria buildup that can affect your gums, too. Therefore, it’s time to avoid indulging in processed and sugary food and opt for a balanced diet instead.

Smoking or Vaping

Both smoking and vaping can increase the risk of bleeding gums because of the harmful chemicals present in tobacco smoke and vaping products. These chemicals can irritate and damage the delicate gum tissues, leading to inflammation and bleeding.

Smoking and vaping can also reduce blood flow to the gums, which can weaken the gum tissues and increase the likelihood of bleeding. Additionally, they can weaken the immune system’s ability to fight infections, making it more challenging for the body to heal any gum damage. These factors can ultimately contribute to an increased risk of bleeding gums in smokers and vapers.

Stress

Stress can indirectly cause bleeding gums by triggering inflammation in the body, including the gums. This can make the gums more susceptible to bleeding. Stress can also weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections that can lead to gum bleeding. Unhealthy habits adopted during times of stress, such as neglecting oral hygiene or eating a poor diet, can also increase the risk of bleeding and swollen gums.

Key Takeaway

By maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help prevent the causes of bleeding gums and keep your mouth healthy. If you notice bleeding gums, be sure to seek advice from your dentist to get them checked and treated.

If you’re looking for teeth cleaning services in Manila, contact Elevate Dental. We offer premium dental solutions to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Our team of friendly dental staff and licensed dentists are ready to bring confidence to your smile!

You may visit us at our Elevate Dental branches in Bonifacio Global City and Greenhills.