What Do Bleeding Gums Mean And How To Fix It

Abnormal bleeding from your gums may indicate a wide range of possible health risks and illnesses. While bleeding gums aren't always an indication for a possible health risk, such as gum bleeding from ill-fitting dentures, it is still important to see a dentist so he or she can run the proper tests and rule out other health conditions that can become serious if left undiagnosed.

Possible Health Risks

The most common indicator of bleeding gums is plaque buildup along the gum line, usually due to improper oral care. Two common forms of gum disease that are indicated by bleeding gums are:

• Gingivitis: caused by excessive plaque buildup, other symptoms may include swollen, tender gums. If left untreated, gingivitis will turn into periodontitis, a destructive form of gum disease.
• Periodontitis: often accompanied by other symptoms, such as bad breath and gum recession. If left untreated, the teeth may loosen and fall out.

Since periodontitis is inflammatory in nature, studies have also shown that serious cases may increase the risks of other health conditions, such as:

• Heart attack: fatal disease characterized as the death of heart cells due to interrupted blood flow to the heart.
• Stroke: caused by plaques that block off blood flow to the brain, can be debilitating and life threatening.
• Atherosclerosis: known as the hardening of the arteries, can be the precursor to heart attacks and strokes.
• Erectile dysfunction: inability to maintain an erection for sexual intercourse.

It is also important to note that bleeding gums can indicate other non-oral related health issues, such as:

• Diabetes: this is a metabolic disease that indicates problems in blood sugar levels and insulin production/absorption. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious health problems.
• Leukemia: a form of cancer in the blood or bone marrow that is signified by a lack of clotting agents. Thus, bleeding gums may indicate its presence.
• Malnutrition: gum bleeding can indicate an insufficient intake of nutrients, and can be corrected by implementing a healthy diet.
• Vitamin C deficiency: also known as scurvy, symptoms include lethargy, shortness of breath and bone pain.
• Vitamin K deficiency: since vitamin K is important in blood coagulation, too little of this vitamin may lead to abnormal gum bleeding.