Plaque buildup causes gum bleeding, a common symptom of gingivitis, periodontitis, and other forms of gum disease. However, bleeding gums may also indicate other issues such as teeth grinding, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations, or vitamin deficiencies.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Gum Bleeding?
Most of the time, it’s difficult to identify the exact cause of gum bleeding. However, underlying medical conditions should be ruled out. Disorders that may require urgent medical attention and can include gum bleeding are:
Gum bleeding due to HIV infection
HIV is a condition that leads to severe infections due to a weakened immune system. The infection is transmitted through blood or direct sexual contact with an HIV-positive person or from an infected mother to her baby.
Various medical problems can appear after HIV infection, including dental issues like gum bleeding and oral pain affecting the tongue, lips, or mouth. This cause can only be confirmed with serological tests.
Gum bleeding related to anemia
Anemia is a health condition caused by a lack of red blood cells. One type, pernicious anemia, linked to vitamin B12 malabsorption, can also cause gum bleeding.
Herpes infection
Infection with the herpes simplex virus may cause severe pain, oral mucosa inflammation, and gum bleeding if the gums are involved.
Gum bleeding caused by stress
Stress can lead to gingival inflammation, making gums more sensitive to trauma. It also triggers an immunosuppressive state, promoting bacterial infection and interfering with normal blood clotting.
Leukemia and gum cancer
Oral cancer often presents as painless eruptions on the gum surface, inside the cheeks, or tongue, frequently associated with gum bleeding.
Leukemia can also cause gum bleeding, formation of immature or nonfunctional white blood cells, and a lack of platelets. Other characteristic signs include enlargement of the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.
Factor V deficiency
Factor V deficiency is a bleeding disorder with typical symptoms such as gum bleeding, subcutaneous bleeding, frequent bruising, or nosebleeds.
Which Dental Diseases Can Cause Gum Bleeding?
Gingivitis
Gingivitis refers to gum inflammation and is linked to bleeding gums. However, it is treatable if diagnosed early and can be prevented with proper oral hygiene. Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations (especially in women), and dry mouth.
Periodontitis
This condition can also cause gum bleeding and is a consequence of untreated gingivitis. It results in loosening of the tooth-supporting tissue, leading to gum bleeding.
Gum bleeding during pregnancy
Pregnancy causes hormonal fluctuations that can lead to inflamed and sensitive gums. Good hygiene practices can help prevent bleeding, but consulting a dentist is important to avoid complications.
Other conditions
Other causes include deficiencies in vitamin C or K, as well as gum trauma.
How to Stop Gum Bleeding at Home
If your gum bleeding doesn’t improve within two weeks, schedule a dental appointment.
Meanwhile, you can try:
- Brush two to three times a day
- Floss once daily
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash
- Avoid smoking
What Happens If You Ignore Gum Bleeding?
Gum bleeding can worsen over time, especially if caused by gum disease. Untreated gum disease damages the tissue, ligaments, and bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to a cycle of infection, bad breath, and even tooth loss.
If another health condition causes bleeding, symptoms may worsen as the underlying condition progresses. Visiting a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment is best.
Can Gum Bleeding Be Prevented?
Yes, in many cases it can. To reduce the risk due to gum disease, visit your dentist regularly and maintain good oral hygiene.
However, some causes like hormonal changes, blood clotting disorders, or leukemia cannot be prevented.
When to See a Doctor?
Gum bleeding may stop on its own, but if it continues for more than two weeks, consult a dentist or primary care physician. They can recommend treatment for gum disease (such as deep cleaning) or treat another underlying condition.
Conclusion – How to Treat Gum Bleeding
Understanding and addressing the underlying cause is essential. Dental treatment is required if the bleeding is due to oral causes, but if caused by another medical condition, it must be identified and treated.
Good oral hygiene practices generally prevent the most common causes of gum bleeding.
