Bleeding gums

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Tooth anatomy

Gingivitis

Overview

Treatment

Bleeding gums

Definition:

Bleeding from the gums is mainly due to inadequate plaque removal from the teeth at the gum line. This will lead to a condition called gingivitis, or inflamed gums. If plaque is not removed through regular brushing and dental appointments, it will harden into what is known as tartar. Ultimately, this will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease known as periodontitis.

Alternative Names:

Gums - bleeding

Considerations:

It is important to follow the instructions from your dentist in order to maintain healthy gums. Improper brushing and flossing technique may actually irritate or traumatize the gum tissue. If gum bleeding persists, it may be a sign of serious medical disorders such as leukemia, bleeding disorders, platelet disorders, or overmedication with anticoagulants ("blood thinners"), such as Coumadin.

Common Causes:

Gingivitis from inadequate plaque removal
Periodontitis (advanced form of gingivitis)
Anticoagulants such as Coumadin (warfarin) and heparin
Toothbrush abrasion, improper flossing
Infection, which can be either tooth or gum-related
Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency)
Vitamin K deficiency
Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Chemical irritants such as aspirin
Leukemia
Placement of new dentures can lead to denture sores/irritations
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura

Review Date: 8/12/2005
Reviewed By: Johanna Jacobs, D.D.S., General and Cosmetic Dentistry, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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