Why teeth bleed

High levels of stress can also affect your oral health. When you're stressed, you might be more likely to skip brushing or flossing or choose to eat fast food instead of a balanced meal. Stress also increases inflammation in your body, which makes your gums more likely to bleed. And, according to the American Academy of Periodontology , too much stress reduces your immune system's functionality, making it more difficult for your body to fight infection. Focus on ways you can destress, like deep breathing techniques and meditation.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, smoking plays a significant role in the development of gum disease, along with increasing your risk for certain cancers and heart disease. The toxins in tobacco smoke keep your gums from getting the nutrition that they need and can lead to inflammation.

Quitting can be tough, but it's one of the most important things to do if you want to protect your oral and overall health. Gum disease and bleeding gums can be contagious. Bacteria related to gingivitis can pass between partners or parents and children. It's good to avoid sharing things like toothbrushes or dirty silverware and water glasses to be safe.

If these changes don't help your gums to stop bleeding, the next step is to see your dentist. They will examine your teeth and gums and determine if you have a more severe condition, such as advanced gum disease. If they believe treatment is needed, such as a deep cleaning or periodontal surgery, you'll likely visit with a periodontist who specializes in treating gum disease.

In many cases, bleeding gums are no big deal, but sometimes it can warrant professional treatment. If it's been a while since you've seen your dentist, make an appointment today. Getting the issue diagnosed and making the necessary changes will help improve the health of your mouth considerably.

With the right diagnosis and personal care, bleeding gums can become a thing of the past. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. This can lead to gum disease. Quitting smoking can help your gums heal and stop bleeding.

Talk to your doctor about the best method to help you quit smoking. One study suggests a link between periodontal disease and emotional stress.

According to the researchers, emotional stress has a negative impact on the immune system. However, more research is needed to determine the amount of stress that can trigger the onset of this disease.

Find out some of the things you can do to relieve stress. Eating foods rich in vitamin C can strengthen your immune system and help fight off the gum infections that cause bleeding gums. Conversely, not getting enough vitamin C in your diet may worsen bleeding if you have gum disease.

In fact, a vitamin C deficiency can also lead to gum bleeding even if you practice good oral habits. You can also ask your doctor about taking a vitamin C supplement. The recommended daily amount of vitamin C for adults is between 65 and 90 milligrams a day. Shop for vitamin C online. Taking a vitamin K supplement may also alleviate bleeding gums. Vitamin K is an important nutrient because it helps your blood clot.

A deficiency can cause easy bleeding, and one study found that it may lead to gum bleeding. Foods rich in vitamin K include:. The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends that adult men get micrograms and women get 90 micrograms of vitamin K daily.

Shop for vitamin K online. Your gums may also bleed from trauma or an injury to the gum tissue. A cold compress applied to the gum line can reduce swelling and restrict blood flow to stop bleeding. Apply an ice pack or a cold cloth to your gums several times a day, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Shop for cold compresses online. Research has found that reducing your carbohydrate intake may also improve gum health and prevent gum disease.

Brushing in a circular motion is also better for avoiding damage and gum recession. Gum disease Gum disease is a major contributor to tooth loss in the U. Gum Disease Gum disease is a common, progressive condition affecting almost everyone at some point during their lifetime. What causes gum disease? When should I see my dentist? Contact Us We will never share your information. Form submitted successfully! There was an error processing this form.

Thank you! We will review your information and get back to you shortly. Forgot Password? Looking to create an account? Call our office at and schedule a check-up. Tags: gingivitis oral health periodontal disease gum disease bleeding gums. Gingivitis The main cause of bleeding gums is the buildup of plaque at the gumline.

Brushing too hard Vigorously brushing your teeth does not clean your teeth better, instead puts you at risk of developing gum recession and bleeding gums. Wearing dentures that fit incorrectly Dentures that do not fit properly can cause gum bleeding if they scratch your gums and cause sores.

Pregnancy About half of pregnant women experience swollen, red, tender gums that bleed during brushing or flossing. Poor diet Some ingredients in processed food can irritate the gums and cause them to bleed. Health problems Gum bleeding is more common in patient with certain health problems, such as liver disease, blood clotting disorders, anemia, leukemia, and temporal arteritis.

Blood thinning medications Blood thinning medications reduce blood's ability to clot, which can result in easier bleeding.