What happens if you don't treat bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums are not a big deal, but sometimes they may need to be examined and treated intensively. If you haven't seen your dentist in a while, make an appointment for a check-up and consultation. Getting a diagnosis and making the necessary changes will greatly improve your oral health.

1.1. Bleeding Gingivitis Most people develop gingivitis when plaque (debris and bacteria build up on the teeth) stays on the gum line for too long. Brushing removes plaque and can prevent you from developing cavities, but plaque can stay above the gum line if you don't clean your teeth properly. If plaque is not removed, it can thicken and harden to form tartar (calcium). The accumulation of plaque near the gums causes gingivitis and causes the gums to bleed easily. Symptoms of gingivitis include painful, swollen gums, and frequent bleeding.
1.2. Periodontitis causes gums to bleed Periodontitis or periodontal disease can occur when the inflammation of the gums becomes more severe. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues around the teeth, affecting the supporting tissue that connects the teeth, gums, and jawbone. In severe cases, periodontal disease can cause teeth to become loose or fall out.
1.3. Vitamin deficiency Bleeding gums can be caused by vitamin C and vitamin K deficiency. If you take good care of your teeth and still experience bleeding gums, you should go for a health check to determine the vitamin C and K levels in your blood to see if there is a deficiency. Also, stick to a diet with both nutrients to make sure you're getting the vitamins you need to stay healthy:
Vitamin C-rich foods: citrus fruits and juices, cotton broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, bell peppers... Foods rich in vitamin K: kale, spinach, lettuce, soybeans, olive oil, watercress...

1.4. Other Causes of Bleeding Gums Using dentures that are too tight can also lead to bleeding gums. Consult your dentist or orthodontist if dentures or other oral appliances are causing bleeding gums. Pregnant women also often experience bleeding gums due to hormonal changes that make gums more sensitive. Hemophilia or leukemia can also increase the risk of bleeding gums. Bleeding gums may occur more often if anticoagulants are taken, drugs in this class include warfarin, aspirin, and heparin.

In addition to the usual cause of using a toothbrush that is too hard, if the gums are painful, bleeding gums should think of periodontal disease for appropriate treatment. Because research shows that periodontal disease, which can be the reason why gums bleed so often, is linked to conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and premature birth. The reason for this link is that periodontal disease causes long-lasting inflammation that can eventually lead to tooth loss and health problems:
Some studies show that people with gum disease have more possibility of cardiovascular disease. Periodontal disease causes a long-lasting inflammatory response, which can lead to atherosclerosis, narrowing of blood vessels, easy blood clots... Previously, people often thought that diabetes was the cause of periodontal disease. periodontal disease, but many studies have shown that periodontal disease can be a contributing factor to diabetes. Oral infections follow the bloodstream to the cells and cause insulin resistance. To compensate, the pancreas must increase insulin secretion in the first stage to allow the cells to absorb glucose to keep blood sugar levels stable. When insulin has to be compensated for a long time, the pancreas will weaken, leading to diabetes. If a pregnant woman has gum disease, her chances of giving birth may be higher. Recent studies show that periodontal bacteria from the oral cavity can enter the bloodstream and travel to the fetus, these bacteria can increase the secretion of prostaglandins - substances that cause the uterus to expand and contract. lead to premature birth.

3.1. Proper oral hygiene Plaque can cause gums to bleed and can progress to more severe forms of gum disease. The best way to reduce plaque buildup and the risk of bleeding gums is to strengthen your oral care routine. Brush your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
3.2. Use the Right Dental Hygienist Your dental hygienist could be the cause of bleeding gums. While it may seem that a toothbrush with medium or stiff bristles will clean your teeth better, the stiffer bristles often cause irritation - which can cause gums to bleed. It is recommended to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, which helps to clean teeth and gums thoroughly without causing irritation. Flossing infrequently, rather than every day, can also cause bleeding gums. Remember to floss daily and avoid pressing the floss against the gums too hard.
3.3. Maintain a healthy diet Foods high in sugar increase the risk of tooth and gum problems, as sugar creates an ideal environment for plaque. There's no need to ban sweets - but eat in moderation and brush your teeth afterwards so the sugar doesn't have time to stick.
3.4. Review of medications you are taking that can cause bleeding gums Some medications also increase the chance of bleeding gums. Some over-the-counter pain relievers thin the blood and may increase bleeding. Certain prescription medications can also cause bleeding gums. If that's the case, your doctor may prescribe a different dose or a different medication altogether. Always talk to your doctor about medication side effects.

3.5. Manage stress High levels of stress can also affect your oral health. When you're stressed, you're more likely to skip brushing, floss, or choose to eat fast food instead of a well-balanced meal. Stress also increases inflammation in the body, making your gums more likely to bleed. Focus on ways you can reduce stress, like deep breathing techniques and meditation.
3.6. Quit Smoking Smoking plays an important role in the development of gum disease, along with increasing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things to do if you want to protect your oral and overall health.
3.7. Stop sharing personal tools Gingivitis and bleeding gums can spread. The bacteria associated with gingivitis can be passed on between sexual partners or between parents and children. It's best to avoid sharing things like toothbrushes and water cups just to be safe.
3.8. See your dentist If the above changes don't help keep bleeding gums under control, the next step is to see your dentist. They will examine your teeth and gums and determine if you have a more serious health condition, such as advanced periodontal disease. If they believe treatment is needed, such as a deep cleaning or periodontal surgery, you'll likely see a periodontist who specializes in the treatment of periodontal disease.
In many cases, bleeding gums are not a big deal, but sometimes it may require an intensive examination and treatment. If you haven't seen your dentist in a while, make an appointment for a check-up and consultation. Diagnosing the problem and making the necessary changes will greatly improve your oral health. With the right diagnosis and personal care, bleeding gums can be controlled. If you treat bleeding gums now, it can be an investment in your future health.

References: healthline.com, colgate.com, webmd.com