At Chamberland Dentistry, we would like our patients in Shelbyville, Tennessee, to know that healthy gums as essential for a healthy smile as more noticeable pearly whites. Not only is the condition of your gums an indicator of your smile, but your overall health as well. Of course, the biggest cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gum line which can lead to gum disease (or gingivitis). But gingivitis is not the only culprit. There are in fact a variety of reasons why your gums may be bleeding.
– Do you have a vitamin deficiency? If you have too little essential vitamins in the body, especially vitamin C and K can cause your gums to bleed.
– Are you anemic? If you have a lack of iron, this can cause a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood and cause your gums to bleed.
– Do you take medications? Gum inflammation can be a result of blood-thinning medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen, as well as certain blood pressure medications.
– Are you brushing too hard? If you are brushing your teeth too hard, this can irritate the gums. Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush with gentle, circular motions instead of sawing back and forth.
– Do you smoke? If you smoke, the toxins emitted from smoking tobacco can irritate the gums and result in a condition called “dry mouth”.
– Do you have an infection? If you have periodontitis, this is a serious gum infection that eventually destroys the bones supporting your teeth. Periodontitis may also increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
– Are you experiencing hormonal changes? Pregnancy and menstruation cause a spike in your hormones which alters the chemical balance in your mouth, negatively affecting gum tissue.
As you can see, there is help for bleeding gums. If you are currently experiencing bleeding gums, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. For help with your bleeding gums, please call our Chamberland Dentistry team today at 931-684-9167. Dr. Pam Chamberland is always happy to help our patients in Shelbyville, Tennessee, have healthy, confident smiles!
