Bleeding gums: medications, symptoms, causes and more. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What are bleeding gums?

Gums are soft tissue that supports the teeth that cover the upper and lower jawbones. Ideally, healthy gums should be pink, have a firm texture, and have a smooth surface.

However, if you do not maintain proper oral and dental hygiene, then the gums are prone to problems and may bleed.

The main cause is the buildup of plaque on the lining of the gums which then causes inflammation. Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. Inflamed gums tend to be very sensitive so they are prone to bleeding.

In addition, plaque that is allowed to continue to build up will harden into tartar. Long-term buildup of tartar can cause a more serious gum disease called periodontitis.

Eating hard foods or brushing your teeth too hard can also trigger bleeding. Having a history of blood clotting disorders can also cause your gums to bleed frequently.

How common is bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums are a very common condition. This mouth problem can be experienced by everyone regardless of age and gender.

Even so, people who do not maintain proper oral hygiene are most prone to experiencing this problem.

This condition can be avoided by reducing the existing risk factors. Please consult a dentist for more complete information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of bleeding gums?

The main symptom of course is bleeding gums suddenly. Blood may come out of the root of the tooth, which is a small red line under the tooth. Blood can also cover the entire surface of the gums or teeth.

Prior to that, the problematic gums may also appear swollen reddish, and feel tender and sore or sore to the touch. These are signs of inflammation.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a dentist?

Immediately go to the dentist if the bleeding does not subside or even gets worse. You should also seek medical attention immediately if you experience a number of other symptoms, such as:

• High fever
• Pain in the gums that is intense and sharp
• Trouble opening your mouth to bite, chew, or even just talk
• Bad or strange taste in the mouth
• Bad breath that is persistent or won't go away

Don't underestimate gums that continue to bleed as this could be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Immediately arrange a schedule for consultation with the dentist to find out the cause and the right way to deal with it according to your condition.

Cause

What causes bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums can be caused by many things, from daily activities to certain medical conditions.

The following are various possible causes for bleeding gums.

1. Brushing your teeth too hard

Anything extravagant isn't good. This includes when you brush your teeth with all your might. This habit doesn't make your teeth cleaner, but it can actually injure your mouth.

Gums are soft tissue that has many blood vessels. When you get hard friction or pressure, the gums and vessels are prone to tearing, causing blood to bleed.

Experiencing an injury or hard impact in the mouth area can also cause bleeding in the gums.

2. Most eat sweet foods

Sweet foods and drinks are very popular with bacteria.

The more often you eat and drink sweet things, the bacteria in your mouth will multiply wildly. The more bad bacteria in the mouth, the buildup of plaque can not be avoided.

Plaque that is allowed to build up for a long time can cause many problems, including bleeding gums.

Therefore, you must be diligent in brushing your teeth after eating.

3. Gingivitis

Gums that often bleed can be caused by gingivitis. Gingivitis causes the gums to become irritated, reddish, and swollen. Sometimes, this condition also causes intense pain around the gums.

The buildup of plaque on the gum line is the main cause of gingivitis. This can be caused by not maintaining proper oral and dental health.

4. Periodontitis

Gingivitis that is left untreated can progress to gum disease (periodontitis). This disease causes severe infection of the gums, the connective tissue between the teeth and gums, and the jawbone.

If you have periodontitis, the inflammation that occurs in the gums will become infected, causing the gums to loosen and pulling away from the roots of the teeth.

In serious cases, periodontitis can cause tooth loss or loss.

5. Low vitamin intake

Vitamin C and vitamin K deficiencies can also cause bleeding gums. Vitamin C plays an important role in boosting the immune system and helping accelerate wound healing. Meanwhile, vitamin K is needed by the body to clot blood and strengthen bones and teeth.

That is why if you are deficient in intake of these two vitamins, you will be more prone to experiencing various oral and dental problems. Including swollen and bleeding gums.

6. Diabetes

Gums that often bleed for no reason can be a sign of type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

In principle, diabetes can be the cause of gum disease or the symptoms of diabetes that can worsen due to untreated gum disease. High blood sugar can also make gum disease worse.

This is caused by disruption of insulin production in the body which fails to balance blood sugar levels. More sugar in the tissues of the body can trigger the growth of bad bacteria in the mouth to become uncontrollable.

Consulting a doctor is the best way to determine the cause of your bleeding gums.

7. Blood clotting disorders

Bleeding gums can also be caused because you have a blood clotting disorder. Leukemia, for example.

Blood platelets play an important role in blood clotting. However, if you have leukemia, the level of platelets in your blood is too low. This makes it difficult for the body to control bleeding, including any bleeding in your gums.

Other blood clotting disorders that can cause your gums to bleed are tombocytopenia and hemophilia.

8. Certain drugs

If you are regularly taking anti-seizure medications, blood pressure controllers, antihistamines, and antidepressants, you may be more prone to bleeding gums.

All of these drugs have a side effect of dry mouth that makes it easier for your gums to bleed.

Drink plenty of water can be an effective way to help keep the oral cavity moist.

If you are worried about the side effects of these various drugs, do not hesitate to see a doctor. Your doctor can prescribe other medications that don't affect your gums.

9. Smoking

Various studies have found that people who smoke are more at risk of developing various gum diseases.

The chemicals in cigarettes can also dry out your mouth. Dry mouth due to smoking makes you more prone to bleeding gums.

In addition, cigarettes contain a number of chemicals that can weaken the immune system. As a result, your body is unable to fight the bad bacteria in the mouth.

Risk factors

What are the factors that increase the risk of bleeding gums?

There are many things that can increase your risk of developing bleeding gums, including:

• Age
• Genetic disorders
• Certain medical history, such as blood clotting disorders or diabetes
• Rarely brush your teeth or flossing tooth
• Lack of vitamin C and vitamin K
• Take certain medications
• Experiencing serious injury in the mouth
• Dentures that are not attached properly
• Is pregnant

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat bleeding gums?

There are many treatment options for bleeding gums that you can try. Some of them are:

1. Compress using ice cubes

This method is effective enough to help slow blood flow to the gum area. That way, the gums that are swollen and painful will slowly subside.

Wrap several ice cubes in a clean washcloth. Then apply the compress on the affected gum area. Let stand a few minutes and do this method until the bleeding stops. You can also rinse your mouth with cold water.

2. Gargle with salt water

Salt is a kitchen spice that has a myriad of health benefits. Earlier people used salt to treat various ailments, including gum and mouth problems.

The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of salt can help soothe swollen gums as well as prevent the infection from getting worse. Gargle with a glass of warm water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Gargle all over the oral cavity and remove the water. Remember, don't swallow the water. Perform routine three to four times a day until the problem subsides.

3. Brush your teeth slowly

Even though the gums are bleeding, that doesn't mean you are absent from brushing your teeth. In fact, in this situation, you have to clean your teeth and mouth more often.

However, avoid scrubbing too vigorously with superhuman strength. Gums that are sensitive should be treated with caution. If you don't, your gum bleeding will get worse.

4. Increase your intake of vitamins C and K

If you often experience bleeding gums, this means you need to increase your intake of vitamins C and K. Vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system, so that the inflammation you experience quickly improves. While vitamin K can help speed up blood clotting.

You can get vitamin C from fresh fruit such as oranges, mangoes, guava, or strawberries. Meanwhile, vitamin K is obtained from green vegetables such as chicken, broccoli, and mustard greens.

5. Gargle with hydrogen peroxide

If a salt water rinse isn't very effective, you can try gargling with hydrogen peroxide, which you can buy at a drugstore. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic solution that kills bacteria that cause infection. This antiseptic solution can also shed plaque and stop bleeding in the gums.

Use hydrogen peroxide as recommended. Before using it, make sure you peruse this antiseptic solution. If you do not understand the rules of use, do not hesitate to ask directly to the pharmacist or doctor.

6. Take pain relievers

Sometimes bleeding gums are also accompanied by an unbearable burning sensation. Well, if this is what you are experiencing, drinking pain relievers can be the solution.

You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen which is purchased at a pharmacy. Take the medicine according to the recommended dosage. Avoid aspirin unless your doctor has recommended it for you

7. Consultation to a dentist

Consult a dentist if the dentures do not fit properly or cause injury to the gums. Your doctor can give you medication or recommend certain medical treatments that are suitable for your condition.

Do not underestimate bleeding gums as this condition could be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Prevention

How to prevent bleeding gums?

The only key to preventing bleeding gums and various other problems is to maintain good oral and dental hygiene. Ideally you should brush your teeth twice a day in the morning and at night.

It is important that you pay attention to the fittings you will use when brushing your teeth. Choose a toothbrush that has soft and soft bristles. The head of the toothbrush must also fit perfectly in the oral cavity, not too big or too small. When held, the toothbrush you use must also be comfortable.

Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride as it can help protect and strengthen the tooth layer from damage. Don't forget, after brushing your teeth, floss your teeth again (dental floss). Dental flosseffectively cleans food debris stuck in the gaps between the teeth, which cannot be reached with an ordinary toothbrush.

You can also use mouthwash. Apart from freshening the mouth, mouthwash can also help eradicate bad bacteria that cause plaque. Avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol as this can dry out your mouth.

Also apply a healthy diet every day. Increase your intake of fiber and vitamins from fruits and vegetables. Reduce eating too much sweet and sour foods. Both types of food can trigger plaque growth in the mouth.

Quitting smoking is also a form of how to maintain and care for oral hygiene. If you are an active smoker, start now to reduce a few cigarettes each day. Apart from being good for oral health, it can also help maintain the overall health of your body.

Finally, take the time to visit the dentist at least every 6 months. It is important to monitor the overall health of your teeth and mouth. Follow the dentist's instructions on home care.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.