A dentist tells you the best ways to treat bleeding gums

If a person has poor oral hygiene, they are more likely to experience bleeding gums. It is a common dental problem and usually has an underlying condition causing it. Determining the cause can help treat it effectively. There are many causes of bleeding gums, including hard brushing and gum diseases. Bleeding gums can be mild at times, but they can also indicate an underlying condition that can lead to serious health problems such as periodontitis or gingivitis.

Health Shots spoke to dentist Dr Namrata Rupani, founder and CEO, Capture Life Dental Care, who listed some possible causes and treatments of bleeding gums.
What are bleeding gums?

Dr Rupani says, “Bleeding gums are gums that are inflamed or irritated and bleed easily. The accumulation of plaque and tartar on the gum line, which causes the gums more prone to bleeding, is the root cause of this condition. This can lead to a variety of diseases of the gums if not treated right away.”

Here are some treatments for bleeding gums:

1. Dental deep cleaning

Dental cleaning is a process carried out by a dentist. They clean out the plaque formation on the teeth and the gum line. This helps reduce the inflammation of the gums. It also helps treat any infections in the mouth.

2. Good oral hygiene

“Every good dentist will suggest this as a solution. Maintaining good dental hygiene includes brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and using floss. It is also important to not brush too hard and ensure to clean the tongue,” says Dr Rupani.

3. Prescribed medication

Depending on the severity of the gum bleeding and the infection, the dentist will provide one with antibacterial mouthwashes and antibiotics to keep bacteria under control and stop the spread of plaque.

Bleeding gums are a sign of poor oral health. Taking care of one’s dental health is essential. Regular dental checkups are a necessity for maintaining good oral health.

Causes of gum bleeding

There are many different causes of gum bleeding. It can be caused by something as simple as vigorously brushing one’s teeth, or vitamin deficiency but it can also be caused by something serious like:

1. Gingivitis

“Gingivitis is a mild, early stage of gum disease that occurs when bacteria infect the gums, causing them to swell, become red, and bleed easily. Gingivitis provokes the gums to become irritated when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, it can lead to serious gum problems and even tooth loss,” says Dr Rupani.

2. Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a very serious gum infection that should not be neglected. It hurts the soft tissue while damaging the bone that supports the tooth. It can cause a tooth to loosen or the loss of a tooth. It is imperative to treat this infection immediately before it does much damage.

3. Lack of vitamin K and C

“Vitamin K plays an important role in helping blood clots and preventing excessive bleeding. An inadequate amount of vitamin K can cause bleeding problems and poor bone development. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen which is a crucial part of the gums. Lack of vitamin C can cause irritation and inflammation in the gums,” Dr Rupani told Healthshots.