Are Your Gums Bleeding? These Are the Most Likely Reasons

Noticing your gums bleeding while you’re brushing can be alarming. The reality is that it’s never a good sign but it can mean a number of things, depending on your lifestyle and your gum health. Read on to get some ideas of potential reasons your gums could be bleeding. Then reach out to California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to schedule an appointment for a dental exam to find out for sure.

You could have gum disease

The most likely reason that your gums are bleeding is that you have gum disease. This happens when plaque builds up around the gums. The result is bleeding and infection. Gingivitis is gum disease in its early form and it’s not extremely serious. It can be treated and easily remedied.

However, if you let it go, then it can turn into periodontal disease. This can be much more serious. Some studies show that as many as half of American adults have periodontitis. Despite how common it is, the results can be devastating. They can include total tooth loss if you don’t have the issue taken care of sooner rather than later.

It may be caused by tobacco usage

If you’re a smoker or you use tobacco in another way, it’s likely not a surprise for you to learn that this isn’t good for your health. Since you were young, you’ve likely been hearing about how bad smoking is for your lungs, hearts, etc. However, you may not have been told that tobacco can also cause gum infections.

No matter the type of tobacco you use, you can eventually have your gums become more sensitive. This can lead to bleeding and can even cause sores within your mouth. If you need yet another reason to quit, think about the fact that smoking can not only discolor your teeth, but it can lead to gum disease, bleeding gums, and sores in your mouth.

Your diet could be the cause

If you get lots of fruits and veggies, then you’re getting lots of nutrients that are extremely beneficial to your immune system. The better the health of your immune system, the better your overall oral health. However, if you don’t get enough vitamins and nutrients, then you could end up allowing bacteria in your mouth to cause disease. Those who have a shortage of specific vitamins, such as Vitamins C and D, Calcium, and Magnesium, could end up with bleeding gums.

Certain medications can cause your gums to bleed

There are many medications that have dry mouth as a side effect. If your mouth is dry, then your gums could be damaged. Why? Because saliva is essential to your overall oral health. Not having enough saliva can render your gums more susceptible to damage – and thus more likely to bleed.

These are just some reasons that you could have bleeding gums. As you can see, some are serious and some are less so. All require a visit with the dentist to confirm. Call California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to get started.