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Gum Problems
Healthy gums
are pink and firm and do not bleed
easily. Occasionally gum bleeding occurs if you brush your teeth and gums too
hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush or snap dental floss hard against your
gums. Using a soft-bristled tooth brush and flossing carefully can prevent the
problem.
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis ) causes red, swollen gums
that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain,
many people delay treatment. If not treated, gum disease can cause more serious
problems with the gum tissue.
As gum disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving
deep pockets where
plaque can hide and cause further damage. This stage
of gum disease is called periodontitis or
periodontal disease and is caused by an infection of
the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround and support the teeth.
Periodontitis can progress until it causes damage to the bones that support the
teeth. In this late stage, teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be
removed. It is important to treat gum disease early because it gets harder to
treat as it becomes more severe.
Other causes of gum bleeding, swelling, and pain include:
- Pregnancy, blood-thinning medicines, or bleeding disorders. These can cause gums to bleed easily.
- Lack of vitamins, such as vitamin K or vitamin C, or medical problems, such as anemia, that interfere with the body's ability to absorb certain vitamins.
- Teething in babies and young children.
- Dentures or a dental appliance that irritates the gums.
- A "gum boil" or infection around the root of the tooth. Swelling and redness, sometimes with pus, may appear at the base of a tooth.
- Diseases of the blood cells, such as leukemia. This is rare.
Many medicines can cause gum problems. If you suspect a medicine is the cause of your gum problem, call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue the medicine.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: November 4, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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