Bleeding gums
These are the most common causes
Many people notice bleeding gums, especially when brushing their teeth.
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Blood and pain after brushing your teeth? In an interview, an expert explains the most common causes of bleeding gums.
Why are bleeding gums so common? Small splashes of blood are often noticeable in the sink, especially when brushing your teeth. There can be several reasons for this, as Dr. Jochen Schmidt, dental director of the Carree Dental in Cologne, reveals in an interview with the news agency spot on news.
Many people initially give little or no thought to bleeding gums. What are the most common causes of bleeding gums?
Dr. Jochen H. Schmidt: If this occurs when brushing your teeth, it almost always indicates inflammation of the gums, i.e. gingivitis. However, it can also be an indication of inflammation of the periodontium, a so-called periodontitis.
There may also be completely different causes behind bleeding gums – for example diabetes mellitus, nutrient deficiencies or certain medications. It is not uncommon for the changed estrogen level during pregnancy to be the trigger.
In some cases, simply scrubbing your teeth too hard with a brush or using dental floss incorrectly can cause injuries to your gums or oral mucosa. This can only be clarified by visiting a (dental) doctor.
Why do bleeding gums occur so often?
Schmidt: The main reason is the often poor oral hygiene. If the teeth are not cleaned thoroughly and regularly, the bacteria in the oral flora multiply rapidly. Inflammation of the gums or, as already mentioned, periodontitis are very often the consequences. In most cases, bleeding gums are a clear warning sign.
When should you worry about bleeding gums?
Schmidt: Basically, bleeding gums are an indication that something is wrong. If it lasts for a long time or occurs regularly, you should not ignore it, but rather have it clarified by a dentist as soon as possible.
If this symptom is caused by gum inflammation, as is the case in most cases, prompt treatment is essential. Otherwise, periodontitis often develops – and in this case there is a risk of serious consequences. Chronic inflammation of the periodontium causes the gums to recede over the years and causes long-term damage to the entire periodontium, including the jawbone. Possible consequences: The germs enter the bloodstream via the inflammation areas in the gums and endanger general health. The risk of diabetes, vascular calcification and heart attacks increases.
It has been proven that people with periodontitis are particularly likely to suffer from dangerous high blood pressure. Modern medicine now even assumes that there are connections between inflammation of the periodontium and joint problems. There is some evidence that people with severe periodontitis, for example, are more likely to develop osteoarthritis and rheumatism.
When should you go to the dentist if you have bleeding gums?
Schmidt: If the bleeding gums continue for several days or occur regularly, medical clarification is necessary. The dentist should also be consulted promptly if the gums bleed heavily, are swollen or if there is a fever.
The dentist is also needed in the case of pure gum inflammation. This is the only way to prevent periodontitis from developing. First and foremost, tartar and plaque are removed through professional teeth cleaning. If you have periodontitis, the gum pockets are also cleaned. Accompanying antibiotics and disinfectant mouthwashes may be necessary for the treatment to be successful.
A fundamental problem lies in early diagnosis: Due to its slow and initially painless course, periodontitis usually remains inconspicuous and is therefore often only recognized very late. This is another reason why regular check-ups are very important.
How can we prevent bleeding gums?
Schmidt: In addition to regular check-ups, thorough dental care is the be-all and end-all of periodontitis prevention and therefore also the best protection against bleeding gums. Plaque can be removed gently but thoroughly with an electric toothbrush. Conventional toothbrushes are often too soft or too hard and are used incorrectly, which can promote bacterial plaque or damage gums. During daily oral hygiene, the hard-to-reach molars should be cleaned particularly thoroughly with a toothbrush, dental floss and interdental brushes. Experience has shown that a lot of plaque accumulates here.
If the gums have receded, interdental brushes are an excellent choice. They can also be used to specifically clean those areas that “normal” toothbrushes cannot reach. And tongue brushes also pay off: They remove bacteria on the tongue that often cause unpleasant bad breath.
A dental check-up including professional teeth cleaning twice a year is also recommended. This protects against inflammation and is an essential part of preventive dental care, but also of well-founded periodontitis treatment.
And what helps best with acute bleeding gums?
Schmidt: The bleeding can be stopped using a clean compress. This is lightly pressed onto the affected area. Ice cubes can also relieve the symptoms. In addition, teas with boiled chamomile, ginger or sage help (short-term!) against inflammation of the gums and bleeding. Used several times a day as a mouthwash, the lukewarm teas have a disinfecting and soothing effect.
And another dental care tip: If you have acute gum inflammation, you should definitely brush the surrounding teeth well, as the resulting plaque can make this inflammation worse.