Gum Bleeding

Do You Have Gum Bleeding?

Do you have gum bleeding while brushing your teeth? Do you often spit blood or feel it when swallowing your own saliva?

Gum bleeding can be a sign that you are at risk for or already have gum disease. However, persistent gum bleeding may be due to serious medical conditions such as leukemia and bleeding and platelet disorders. Gum bleeding is an early sign of gum disease around natural teeth and dental implants. Gum disease around dental implants can lead to dental implant failure. 

Causes of Gum Bleeding

Gum bleeding is usually due to plaque accumulation on the teeth at the gum line. This will lead to an early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis or inflamed gum.

If you do not remove plaque, it will harden into tartar. Ultimately, this will lead to increased bleeding and a more advanced form of gum and jawbone disease called periodontitis

Other causes of bleeding gums include:

• Brushing too hard
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Bleeding disorders
• Ill-fitting dentures
• Improper flossing
• Infection, which can be either tooth- or gum related
• Leukemia
• Use of blood thinners

Dr. Yasser Elseweifi, Wicker Park dentist, uses the latest techniques to treat gum diseases, including gum bleeding.