Why are my gums bleeding?

Bleeding gums are a common problem that can be caused by a number of factors, including poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and certain medications. In most cases, bleeding gums can be easily treated with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.

Bleeding Gums: What Are The Causes?

Here are some of the most common causes of bleeding gums:

Poor oral hygiene: If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque can build up on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can irritate your gums and cause them to bleed.
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is caused by plaque buildup. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
Inflammation: Inflammation can cause your gums to bleed. Some of the most common causes of inflammation include:
- Periodontitis: As mentioned above, periodontitis is a serious form of gum disease that can cause inflammation.
- Systemic diseases: Some systemic diseases, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation in the gums.
- Medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners and chemotherapy drugs, can cause inflammation in the gums.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can cause inflammation in the gums.
Trauma: If you injure your gums, they may bleed. Some common causes of gum trauma include:
- Tooth brushing too hard: Brushing your teeth too hard can damage your gums and cause them to bleed.
- Flossing too hard: Flossing too hard can also damage your gums and cause them to bleed.
- Irritation from dentures or braces: Dentures and braces can sometimes irritate your gums and cause them to bleed.
Bleeding disorders: If you have a bleeding disorder, such as hemophilia, your gums may bleed more easily.

If you are concerned about bleeding gums, it is important to see a dentist. The dentist can diagnose the cause of the bleeding and recommend treatment.

Who Should You See for Bleeding Gums?

If you are experiencing bleeding gums, sensitivity, or other gum problems, it is important to see a periodontist. A periodontist can diagnose the cause of your gum problems and recommend the best treatment.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth, such as the bone. Periodontal disease is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.

Periodontists receive extensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They are also experts in the placement of dental implants.

Here are some of the services that a periodontist can provide:

Diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease: Periodontists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. They can use a variety of techniques to diagnose periodontal disease, including:
- Gingival probing: This is a procedure in which the periodontist uses a small instrument to measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums.
- Radiographs: Radiographs can be used to assess the bone loss associated with periodontal disease.
- Periodontal charting: This is a procedure in which the periodontist records the condition of your gums and teeth.
Treatment of gum recession: Gum recession is a condition in which the gums recede from the teeth. This can expose the roots of your teeth, which can make them sensitive and more susceptible to decay. Periodontists can treat gum recession with a variety of techniques, including:
- Gum grafting: This is a procedure in which the periodontist takes tissue from another part of your mouth and grafts it onto the area where the gums have receded.
- Laser gum surgery: This is a minimally invasive procedure in which the periodontist uses a laser to remove diseased tissue and stimulate the growth of new tissue.