Bleeding Gums Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Bleeding gums or gingivitis is a periodontal disease caused by inflammation of the gums. This condition is quite common in everyday life. Usually, people will realize their gums have gingivitis when they bleed while brushing their teeth.
The level of abnormalities experienced by each person is different, depending on the cause. The occurrence of gingivitis can also be in line with puberty because of the influence of hormones. Besides that, hygiene and gum health problems also affect it.
Symptom
Symptoms that can be found in gingivitis include:
- Swelling of the gums
- Bright reddish or purplish red color on the gums
- Gums look swollen and shiny
- Bleeding of the gums, such as when brushing teeth and using dental floss
- No pain
- Soft gums
Reason
Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. But apart from that there are many other things that can trigger bleeding gums or gingivitis. The following are common causes of gingivitis:
- Oral hygiene. Lack of oral hygiene can result in the formation of plaque or tartar on the part of the tooth that borders the gum edge. Plaque and tartar contain lots of bacteria and produce toxins. This of course can cause infection of the gums. In addition, the gums can swell and become soft.
If oral hygiene is not handled, gingivitis will get worse and develop into periodontitis. Wounds and injuries to the gums due to incorrect brushing can also cause gingivitis. - Systemic disease. Apart from problems with oral hygiene, gingivitis can also be caused by systemic diseases. For example, patients with leukemia and Wegner’s disease tend to be more susceptible to gingivitis.
Whereas in people with diabetes or HIV, a disturbance in the immune system (immune system) causes the body’s ability to fight bacterial infections to decrease. This includes the gums. - Use of braces and dentures. These two procedures can also affect oral hygiene and irritate the gums. As a result, your risk of developing gingivitis also increases. Likewise, rough fillings and irregular tooth arrangement also have the opportunity to trigger gingivitis.
- Hormonal changes and drugs. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and on steroid therapy can make the gums more susceptible to bacterial infections. The use of drugs in patients with high blood pressure and after organ transplants can also suppress the immune system so that gum infections occur more easily
Diagnosis
Through physical examination, a red and swollen laryngeal appearance can be found (although showing the larynx is not mandatory). In general, no laboratory or radiological examinations are required. This examination will only be carried out if there is suspicion of other comorbidities.
Treatment
Plaque removal and improvement of oral hygiene are the main keys in treating gingivitis. In gingivitis with very severe conditions, antibiotics are usually needed. But of course, this requires a prescription from a dentist.
Scaling action using a special tool is needed to remove deposits/pills of tartar on the teeth that cause gingivitis. The dentist will also provide instructions on how to brush your teeth properly and clean between your teeth properly.
The symptoms of gingivitis will lessen and disappear within one to two weeks after being treated by a dentist. Antibacterial mouthwash will be given according to your condition. This mouthwash can help in healing.
Prevention
Gingivitis can be prevented by keeping your mouth clean. Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning after breakfast and at night before going to bed. Floss once a day to clean plaque and food residue between the teeth.
For some people who are prone to gingivitis, you can brush your teeth more often – that is, when you have finished eating. Make regular visits to the dentist every 6 months for a thorough dental examination and cleaning.
Complications
If gingivitis is not treated properly, this disease will progress to periodontitis or inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth. In addition, it can cause infection. Then the teeth can shake and the risk of losing teeth is greater.