12 Sep Why do gums bleed?
Bleeding gums is the first sign of gum inflammation that occurs due to accumulated dental plaque. Uncleaned plaque mineralizes and becomes dental calculus. When affected by the inflammation, the gums are reddened, swollen, soft and bleed when brushing your teeth or even when eating. It is important not to ignore such a condition and seek help of a dental hygienist or dentist. Dental calculus and soft plaque are removed during the professional oral hygiene treatment, as well as the patient is advised on a proper teeth care, as oral hygiene is based on the daily dental care, which takes place at home. A patient with periodontal disease should visit a dentist at least once every three months. If no treatment is applied, the inflammation affects the surrounding tissues and bone – a periodontal disease develops.
Gums may also bleed for other reasons, such as usage of certain drugs, and K, B12 or C vitamin deficiency. Antidepressants, antihistamines and blood pressure regulating medications may cause bleeding gums as well, and it may be associated with diseases that affect the blood coagulation system.