Healthy Gums to Prevent a Mouthful of Trouble

December 23, 2015

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Have you ever been bothered by a bit of blood on your toothbrush while brushing?

Normally, such bleeding happens in the gums, the spongy structures that hold and protect the teeth. The gums cover the jawbone and hold the teeth in place. When the gums start bleeding, it is mostly because of the accumulation of plaque at the gum line, often caused by poor oral hygiene. The most common form of gum disease is gingivitis, which causes inflammation and swelling of the gums. Left untreated, it can develop into a far more serious condition called periodontitis, which may result in tooth loss. Persistent gum bleeding may also indicate other serious medical conditions, such as leukemia.

CAUSES

Poor oral hygiene is the fundamental cause of bleeding gums

Brushing too hard
Ill-fitting dentures
Improper flossing
Infections
Bleeding disorders
Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Anaemia
Leukaemia
Scurvy
Use of blood thinners
Vitamin K deficiency
Dengue fever
Malnutrition
Liver disorders like cirrhosis
Kidney disorders
Arterial or capillary diseases
Diabetes
Heart diseases
HIV

Bleeding gums are common during pregnancy because of hormonal changes

SYMPTOMS

Bad breath
Difficulty chewing
Sensitive teeth
Loose and shaky teeth
Red, tender or swollen gums
Bleeding on slightest injury or even touch
Pus in the gums
Recession of gums

DIAGNOSIS

Oral examination of teeth and gums
X-rays of teeth and jaw
Complete blood analysis
Examining levels of sugar, calcium, urea, and creatinine
Examining coagulation factors
Prothombin time test (test that measures the time taken by blood plasma to clot)
Bleeding time test
Clotting time test

PREVENTION AND HOME CARE

Although it can happen at any time, bleeding gums normally appear in the thirties and forties