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What Can Cause Bleeding Gums Aside from Gum Disease?
If you have bleeding gum, you are likely to have gum disease. Persistent cases of gum disease could also be a sign of plaque buildup on the surface of your teeth. There are several other causes of bleeding gums apart from gum disease. They include;
Aggressive Brushing
You know how important brushing is to your oral health. However, brushing too hard can damage your gums and cause bleeding. Applying too much pressure on your gums could easily tear down the tissues and cause bleeding. If the condition is left unattended, it exposes underlying tissues and increases the chances of oral infections. Besides, you wear down the tooth enamel when you brush your teeth too hard and aggressively. This is the tough outer layer of your tooth that protects it against bacteria. When the layer is damaged, you risk tooth sensitivity and dental cavities. When brushing your teeth, we advise that you do it gently and use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Remember, the goal is to remove plaque and debris effectively without causing harm to your gums and teeth. Gentle, circular motions along the gum line and on tooth surfaces are usually sufficient for maintaining good oral hygiene.
Ill-fitting Oral Appliances
Ill-fitting dental appliances could also cause bleeding gums. For example, if you wear dentures that fit too tightly, they will rub against your gums and cause bleeding. This is why it is vital to get perfectly fitting dentures that make you comfortable. You should see a dentist immediately you notice that your oral appliances are no longer comfortable. They will have a closer look at them and if necessary, create better fitting dentures that are comfortable to use.
Other oral appliances like mouth guards and orthodontic devices can also cause gum irritation and bleeding if they don’t fit properly. This is why it is important to visit regularly because regular check-ups with your dentist can help identify and address any issues with ill-fitting oral appliances.
Lack of Vitamins
Individuals with insufficient supply of essential vitamins in their bodies are likely to have bleeding gums. Vitamin C and vitamin K deficiencies could easily cause bleeding gums. This is why you should eat a balanced diet with all the necessary nutrients. You should go for foods rich in vitamin C like citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, and leafy greens. You should eat foods rich in vitamin K like spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts. Such a balanced diet will help keep your gums in good condition.
Wrapping It Up
While gum disease is a common cause of bleeding gums, other factors like aggressive brushing, ill-fitting oral appliances and vitamin deficiencies can also contribute to this problem. If it happens that you have persistent bleeding gums, it is very important that you visit a dentist’s office for a proper assessment and treatment. Your dentist can help identify the underlying cause of your bleeding gums and provide personalized recommendations to help you maintain optimal oral health. Take good care of your oral health!