Troubling gums

Gums are basically essential because they hold and protect the teeth. They prevent the entry or spreading of infection to the root of the teeth or the jaw bone. However, the state of gums changes with the age. The purpose of gums is more than we can imagine, hence it is necessary  that we take special care of our gums and prevent them from bleeding. There are primarily two reasons for bleeding gums. The first is plaque which is made up of microorganisms and extracellular matrix. Though the microorganisms are naturally present in the mouth, the steady build- up, if not controlled by brushing, creates a thick layer known as plaque. This layer on tooth’s surface creates  anaerobic respiration , which produces acid. This acid seeps in through the gums and damages both teeth and gums. Causing infection or inflammation of gums which results in bleeding gums. Such infected or inflamed gums are medically called gingivitis.

       The second cause of bleeding gums is called pocketing. Pocketing occurs when gum tissues detaches itself from the tooth surface causing spaces between. These spaces or ‘pockets’ inadvertantly gather food and bacteria which then damages the gum tissue and the tooth below the gum line, causing it to bleed.

Causes of troubling gums

Bacterial, viral or fungal infections in the gums and teeth produce acids and toxins that usually erode and cause inflammation of gums. This inflammation makes the gums swollen, red and spongy, further increasing the tendency to bleed. The stability of teeth is also weakened by recession. Bleeding gums is more commonly seen in adults, due to some infection or disease. However in the case of children it occurs mostly due to injury or due to improper brushing.   

 Other conditions that cause bleeding gums:

   Injury or traumas, which may be caused by a blow, tooth picking dentures, improper brushing and flossing.

   Gums may also get injured from irritation of chemicals and acids in food, drinks, mouth fresheners, tooth whiteners and medicines.

   Retracted or receded gums and weak spongy gums.

   Dental problems such as caries, excessive tartar or plaque formation, periodonititis.

   Blood disorders, bleeding and clotting disorders and deficiency of coagulation factors.

   Nutritional and physiological factors, such as vitamin C and K deficiency, pregnancy and hormonal changes.

   Poor oral hygiene, due infection and weakness.

   Medications that could thin blood such as aspirin, heparin therapy, pain killers.

   Treatment procedures like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause bleeding from gums.

   Hot foods and chemicals that burn the gums, further results in bleeding. For example, some people still follow the practice of placing pain relieving tablets on the gum adjacent to the painful tooth, which invariably causes burns.

Prevention

Rather than looking for a cure after the problem occurs, the best thing to do is to prevent the predicament from occurring at all. Everyone who aims to prevent bleeding gums should avoid hard and fast brushing, hard diets and snacks which can cause injury. This includes chips sour foods or drinks, hot drinks, carbonated acid drinks, sticky chocolates, pain killers, blood thinners and unnecessary medication. Also, mke it a point to rinse mouth with a mouth wash often. Take care of plaque deposits by proper cleaning and visiting your dentist regularly. Use soft bristle toothbrushes and be gentle while brushing your teeth. Use well balanced notorious diet, proper mastication or chewing and brush away the food particles in the mouth after every meal. Oral hygiene and dental health is very important as well. Try to gargle with salty warm water after every meal and use vitamin supplements in case of deficiency.

Taking care of bleeding gums

        If you have a severe problem of bleeding gums then don’t brush your teeth: instead you can rinse with salty warm water after every meal. Keep away from all new medications and visits your physician or dentist at the earliest opportunity to rule out the causes. Floss teeth twice a day to keep plaque from building up on your teeth.  

    

  

Posted in: Gums