Gum problems

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Gum problems

Healthy gums are pink and firm and do not bleed easily. Occasionally gum bleeding occurs if you brush your teeth and gums too hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush or snap dental floss hard against your gums. Using a soft-bristled tooth brush and flossing carefully can prevent the problem.

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis ) causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people delay treatment. If not treated, gum disease can cause more serious problems with the gum tissue.

As gum disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets where plaque can hide and cause further damage. This stage of gum disease is called periodontitis or periodontal disease and is caused by an infection of the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround and support the teeth. Periodontitis can progress until it causes damage to the bones that support the teeth. In this late stage, teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be removed. It is important to treat gum disease early because it gets harder to treat as it becomes more severe.

Other causes of gum bleeding, swelling, and pain include:

• Pregnancy, blood-thinning medications, or bleeding disorders; each can cause gums to bleed easily.
• Lack of vitamins, such as vitamin K or vitamin C, or medical problems, such as anemia, that interfere with the body's ability to absorb certain vitamins.
• Teething in babies and young children.
• Dentures or a dental appliance that irritates the gums.
• A "gum boil" or infection around the root of the tooth. Swelling and redness, sometimes with pus, may appear at the base of a tooth.
• Diseases of the blood cells, such as leukemia. This is rare.

Many medications can cause gum problems. If you suspect a medication is the cause of your gum problem, call the health professional who prescribed the medication to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a nonprescription medication, stop taking it. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue the medication.

Credits

Last updated:	September 26, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer