What Causes Bleeding Gums?
There are many different reasons a person’s gums can bleed, ranging from simple friction to more complex inflammatory conditions. Frequent gingival bleeding could indicate gum disease, periodontal disease, vitamin deficiencies, and some medical conditions, but it could also simply mean that a person is brushing their teeth too hard. A thorough dental examination can help you get to the bottom of your or your child’s bleeding gums and take the necessary steps to heal the oral tissues while supporting the overall health.
The long list of conditions that can lead to bleeding gums includes:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Aggressive brushing
- Smoking or other tobacco use
- Improper flossing
- Vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamins C and K
- Ill-fitting orthodontic appliances
- Hormone fluctuations
- Some medications
- Medical conditions that affect the blood or cause inflammation
Gingivitis is most commonly caused by inadequate oral hygiene and can be reversed with early intervention by a dentist and dental hygienist. Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is allowed to progress without treatment; while periodontitis can be treated and stopped, its effects can only be repaired and not reversed. Gingivitis and periodontitis can be prevented with effective brushing and flossing practices and regular dental checkups. Improper or unnecessarily aggressive brushing and flossing can also be evaluated and addressed at a dentist visit, and the dental hygienist can provide instruction on modified, healthier techniques. They may also recommend special tools or products, like electric brushes, water flossers, mouthwashes, and specialized toothpaste, that are designed to help minimize damage to the gum tissues and support their health.
Vitamin deficiencies can be determined with blood tests, which are especially helpful when bleeding gums are determined to be caused by something other than gum disease or improper brushing. If your child’s diet is deficient in vitamins C or K, introduce and encourage the following foods:
- Citrus fruits
- Citrus juices
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Potatoes
- Bell peppers
- Kale, spinach, chard, and other leafy greens
- Soybeans
- Olive oil
- Canola oil
Your child’s doctor might also recommend a vitamin supplement or other dietary modifications to support their overall health, as well as their dental and oral health.
If other underlying conditions or medications are affecting your child’s oral health, work with their dentist and general health provider to manage these concerns and ensure that the oral health doesn’t suffer as a result. Sometimes, this means modifying medications or adjusting treatment approaches; listen to your dentist’s and doctor’s recommendations, especially if the underlying condition is chronic and requires long-term management. Of course, if you learn that your child is smoking or using tobacco, you probably have concerns that far exceed those related to oral health, and your dentist and doctors can help with these concerns as well, ideally setting your child up with support as they quit this destructive habit.
If your child’s bleeding gums have arisen during puberty, rest assured that this can be managed with effective oral hygiene and should subside when the dramatic hormone fluctuations even out. If their gums bleed because of ill-fitting orthodontic appliances, a simple orthodontic adjustment could make a world of difference; if friction from orthodontia is the issue, adjustments can be made to protect the oral tissues, and consistent cleaning with specialized instruments can help keep gum disease from developing in harder-to-reach places under and around orthodontic devices.
Bleeding gums are a common symptom of dental issues like gum disease, but they can also indicate other issues. Making an appointment with your child’s dentist and possibly their primary care provider can help pinpoint the reasons for bleeding gums and provide treatment that could make a lifetime of difference for both the oral health and the overall health.
Related Article: How to Get My Gums to Stop Bleeding