Bleeding Gums
BLEEDING GUMS!!!
Bleeding gums medically termed Gingivitis is one of the common diseases of the gingiva. Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gingiva. Gingivitis is of different types based on the onset, duration, causes, and areas of involvement of the Gingiva. Gingivitis is also classified into different stages from stage 1 (early lesion) to stage 4 (established lesion).
CAUSES:
The main and utmost cause or reason for the bleeding gums is poor oral hygiene which results in the formation of plaque seen as white debris on the teeth. This plaque and calculus later disrupt the surrounding structures of the teeth starting from the gums to the underlying bone. The other causes are
- Trauma (toothbrush injury, sharp food objects)
- Hormones associated (during pregnancy, puberty, menstruation).
- Deficiency related (vitamin c deficiency mainly and other deficiencies)
- Intake of certain drugs(anticonvulsants such as Dilantin sodium, immunosuppressive drugs such as cyclosporine, calcium channel blockers such as nifedipine)
- Underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hematological diseases, allergic reactions, etc.
- Tooth related such as sharp cusps or fractured tooth or during orthodontic treatment.
- Viral induced such as herpes zoster
- Fungal origin as in candidiasis
- Bacterial origin (rare).
SYMPTOMS:
The first and most common symptom of gingivitis is bleeding while brushing the teeth. The other symptoms seen are the reddish color of the gingiva. Sometimes the gingiva appears deeper blue or reddish blue. The consistency of gingiva will be spongy that will pit on pressure or when pressed with a finger. In some cases, there will be swelling of the gingiva. The gingival margin seen marking the teeth will be detached due to plaque and calculus formation of the teeth.
TREATMENT:
The first and ideal treatment of gingivitis is to get a scaling treatment done by a Dentist or a Periodontist. It is advisable to do a scaling every six months to maintain proper oral hygiene.
In cases of underlying diseases such as diabetes, plasma cell disorders, and viral origin, it is mandatory to inform the dentist and further treatment will be based on consent from the medical practitioner treating the disease.
In cases of vitamin and other deficiencies, a proper dietary chart and medicines will be given.
It is also mandatory to get other defects of the teeth such as decay or fractured tooth or sharp cusps that cause damage to gums to be treated to prevent further progression of the disease.
The use of mouthwash is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene and normal oral flora mainly after scaling and surgical dental
Prevention:
To prevent gingivitis is to maintain good oral hygiene. Maintaining good oral hygiene involves a daily routine that includes brushing twice a day, and rinsing the mouth after each meal.
Oral prophylaxis (scaling) done by a dentist is recommended every six months. Changing toothbrushes once in three months is mandatory. The use of dental floss to clean the sides of the teeth will help in preventing interdental caries and gingivitis. Intake of vitamin-rich and nutrient meals is essential for good gingival health.