While bleeding gums do indicate that you may have gum disease, they can also bleed for other reasons. The following information gives you further insight as to why gums may bleed.
Do Your Gums Bleed Even When You Floss and Brush?
In some instances, bleeding gums do not mean you have gum disease. If you brush and floss, you may wonder why you see bleeding. If your gums bleed easily, it may be due to how you are brushing, or the type of toothbrush you are using. It may also signify an underlying health condition. While beginning or advanced gum disease will cause the gums to bleed, your gums will also bleed if your toothbrush is too firm or you brush too aggressively. Flossing may also cause gum bleeding if you have not flossed in a while and are just getting used to the routine. Has your doctor prescribed a blood thinning medication? If so, this type of drug can cause bleeding gums. Women may experience bleeding gums when they are pregnant (called pregnancy gingivitis), or denture wearers will complain about bleeding if their dentures need to be realigned.
Health Conditions that Cause Bleeding Gums
Besides brushing the wrong way, your gums may bleed if you have a health condition, such as diabetes. If you have diabetes, your immune system may become compromised. As a result, you are more likely to get infections, which can also affect the health of your gums. The high blood sugar levels that result from diabetes can make it harder for the body to heal, which can also make it difficult to overcome a gum infection. Leukemia can cause gum bleeding as well. When you have this form of cancer, your platelet count drops. Because platelets stop bleeding, the gums may end up bleeding. Thrombocytopenia may also trigger gum bleeding. This condition produces a low platelet count, which can prevent the blood from clotting. In turn, it may cause the gingival tissues to bleed.
Any of the above-listed conditions can cause bleeding gums. They may also develop if you have a vitamin C deficiency. That is why it is important to brush and floss daily and make sure you are properly caring for your teeth and gums. Make an appointment today to treat any gum bleeding or swelling.
While bleeding gums do indicate that you may have gum disease, they can also bleed for other reasons. The following information gives you further insight as to why gums may bleed.