What is defined as tooth bleeding is actually bleeding gums. Since it is a common complaint, most of us do not dwell on it, but in fact, bleeding gums is a condition that should be considered. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health problems. First of all, you should know that there is a problem when you encounter bleeding gums. Healthy teeth should not bleed with excuses to brush teeth or bite into a hard fruit.
There may be a problem in your gums due to many reasons such as not paying attention to the cleanness of the mouth, vitamin deficiency or smoking. Gum diseases can progress insidiously and when you come to the stage of losing your teeth, this situation is irreversible. For this reason, it is valuable to go to the dentist regularly and not to neglect bleeding gums.
Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Gums become red, swollen and bleed very easily. However, the disease does not bother individuals much at this stage. Gingivitis is mostly caused by not paying due attention to the cleanliness of the mouth. Bacteria from food residues cause inflammation. With a good oral care and the advice of the doctor, the disease can be treated.
There are other factors that can cause gingivitis to occur. Diabetes, smoking, aging, genetic factors, systemic diseases, tension, bad nutrition, puberty, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, substance use, HIV infection and some drugs can be counted among these reasons.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis, called gingivitis, is not treated on time, it will progress from the gingival surface and begin to affect the bone there. Over time, dental plaque (tooth grime) passes behind the gum and begins to grow there. Bacteria produced by toothpaste also irritate the gums and subsequently other tissues. At this stage, the disease is called periodontitis. There are different types of periodontitis, either aggressive or chronic. It causes the teeth to shake and fall out.
What Causes Gum Diseases?
Age
Studies show that older people suffer more from gum disease. The intention that ‘gingival diseases are definitely seen with old age’ is wrong. Diseases can be prevented by paying attention to oral care and nutrition. A disadvantage of advancing age is that decreased saliva production facilitates the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth. Another factor of oral disease is the inability to take the necessary nutrients into the body due to various diseases with age, drug use or loss of appetite. These factors prepare the ground for gum diseases in old age.
Vitamin Deficiency
C, K, B-12, niacin and folic acid deficiencies can be the cause of bleeding gums. However, in general, other symptoms of vitamin deficiency are seen besides bleeding gums. Vitamin C deficiency causes hair loss, tooth loss, joint pain and bleeding gums, as well as swelling of the gums. B-12 deficiency can manifest itself with bleeding gums, but there are also symptoms such as weakness, diarrhea, shortness of breath or concentration impairment. In folic acid deficiency, gingival bleeding, graying of hair, mouth and stomach ulcers, and swelling in the tongue are seen. In addition to bleeding gums, nosebleeds can also be encountered in vitamin K deficiency. Your doctor will determine the supplement you need, taking into account the other symptoms you are complaining about in addition to bleeding gums.
Smoking / Tobacco Use
It is known that smoking is one of the causes of many important diseases ranging from cancer to heart diseases. In gingival diseases, smokers are at the forefront of the risk cluster. Numerous and harmful chemical elements in cigarettes damage tissues and vessels. It is known that smoking also causes the growth of tartar and bacteria. Smoking, which causes problems, also presents many difficulties when it comes to treatment. It becomes difficult to adapt the wounds and regenerate the tissues. Many dentists abroad turn away patients who refuse to quit smoking. This will reduce the success rate of the treatment.
Genetic Factors
Some people are genetically more prone to gum disease. Although they take care of their oral and dental health, they may experience problems that may result in bleeding, inflammation of the gums and even tooth loss. Looking at the families of these individuals, it is not surprising to see that some of their family members have the same illness. Regular visits to the dentist are therefore valuable. Catching gum disease at an early stage will make treatment possible.
Stress
Since tension makes it difficult for the body to fight infections, it is also possible for people under severe stress to get gum disease and complain of bleeding teeth. Another effect of tension is that it causes us to clench and grind our teeth. And if you are someone who likes to eat junk food that is under tension, it means that your teeth will be under all kinds of bad effects of tension.
Medicines
Various medications, such as antidepressants or birth control pills, can affect oral health. If you see side effects such as tooth bleeding or gum disease after you start taking the medication, it is recommended to consult your doctor.
Grinding Teeth
Grinding or clenching your teeth means putting heavy pressure on the teeth and the tissues that support them. Teeth grinding can accelerate the process of tissue damage.
Bad Nutrition and Obesity
Deprivation of beneficial nutrients that the body needs for the immune system weakens the body and makes it vulnerable to diseases. This situation also manifests itself in the teeth. Since gum disease begins in the form of infection, malnutrition worsens the disease. Eating a lot does not mean proper nutrition. On the contrary, the more salty and sugary ready-to-eat foods are consumed, the more harmful it will be for dental health.
Pregnancy period
During pregnancy, the gums are more prone to swelling and bleeding. Gingivitis seen in this period occurs due to hormonal changes. As a result of hormonal changes, blood flow to the gum tissue increases and this causes the gums to become sensitive. Hormones also change the body’s reflections against bacteria that cause infection in the gums during the pregnancy period. Thus, plaque accumulation on the teeth is facilitated and the risk of inflammation in the gums increases. Gingivitis often becomes more important in the second quarter of pregnancy.
Other Reasons
Diseases that strain the body’s defense system can also cause worsening of the gums. Diabetes, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis or cardiovascular diseases can be given as examples of these diseases. Blood-thinning medications or hard brushing are also among the other causes of tooth bleeding.