Gingivitis and Bleeding Gums

Mouth | Odontologie | Gingivitis and Bleeding Gums (Symptom)


Description

Bleeding gums can be a symptom of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) that arises due to a number of different causes. Gum disease affects most people at some time during their life. It is usually caused by a build-up of plaque on teeth. Careful and regular cleaning of your teeth and gums each day can help prevent gum disease.

Causes

Bleeding gums are most commonly caused by inadequate plaque removal from the teeth at the gum line, resulting in inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). However, persistent gum bleeding may also be associated with serious medical conditions, such as leukemia and coagulation and platelet disorders. In these conditions, easy bleeding or bruising is usually also noted elsewhere in the body.

Inflammation of the gum line may lead to a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as periodontitis. Other common causes of bleeding gums include vitamin deficiencies and certain medications. Several classes of medications, especially blood thinners, have bleeding gums as a side effect.

The hormonal changes of pregnancy can also increase the sensitivity of the gums, which may lead to increased bleeding in some cases. Those with chronic conditions that affect the function of the immune system, such as HIV infection or diabetes, may also have an increased tendency to develop gingivitis.

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