Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums that come with inflammation can allow bacteria into the bloodstream, thereby spreading the infection to other areas.
Gum Disease Symptoms: Causes and Treatments of Bleeding Gums
It is important to be aware of the effect that oral health can have on your entire body. Symptoms such as bad breath or inflammation are minor in comparison to the larger consequences of bad oral hygiene. In fact, patients with periodontal gum disease have a much bigger risk of contracting more serious illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. This is because the bleeding gums that come with inflammation can allow bacteria into the bloodstream, thereby spreading the infection to other areas. In order to prevent this spread of bacteria, it is important for patients to be aware of the different causes of bleeding gums so that treatment can be provided in a timely manner.
Medication
There are certain medications you may be taking that can thin your blood and make your gums more prone to bleeding. These include birth control, aspirin, anti-inflammatories, and blood pressure medication, among others. If you are taking any of these medications, it is important to discuss this with your dentist, especially if you have periodontal gum disease.
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, a woman’s hormone levels can increase dramatically. This means that in addition to bleeding gums, there is a higher chance of developing periodontal gum disease, as well. If enough bacteria get into the bloodstream, it is possible that the body may release chemicals to stimulate a premature birth. Brushing and flossing regularly along with periodic checkups are extremely important during this time to minimize the chances of premature birth and low birth weight babies.
Gum Disease
If left untreated, periodontal gum disease can have more severe consequences than bad breath or sensitive gums. In addition to bone loss and gum recession, the occurrence of heart disease or pancreatic cancer is more likely. This is why it is important to look out for early symptoms such as bad breath or inflammation.
If your gums are bleeding, it is important to determine if this is due to gum disease or other factors. To learn more about treating periodontal gum disease, contact our office and schedule your consultation today!