We all want to see a healthy smile in the mirror. But if your dental care routine is giving your smile a red colour, it’s definitely time to visit a dentist to find out why.
We now know much more about the underlying causes of bleeding gums. We’ve learned that this condition is often connected to the kinds of bacteria that live in our mouth, or what we call our oral microbiome.
Our digestive systems also have a microbiome, and it can have a profound effect on our physical health and mental health.
As a dentist, I try to educate my patients about their oral microbiome, and how it can be used to help improve their oral and overall health.
Causes of bleeding gums
First things first: there are many reasons why your gums might be bleeding. Some of the most common include:
- Gum disease, or gingivitis. (This is the most common cause.)
- Starting a new flossing routine.
- Brushing too hard.
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy.
- Vitamin deficiency, for example, lack of vitamins C or K.
In some cases, bleeding gums can be a sign of other more serious diseases (more on that below).
Many of these causes are treatable. For example, if the cause is flossing or brushing improperly, we can teach you how to care for your teeth properly.
If the root cause of your bleeding gums is gum disease, it’s better to identify it sooner. It will be easier and less expensive to treat. Early identification is also extremely important if we need to refer you to your doctor for additional testing.
Bleeding gums and your oral microbiome
Your microbiome is a big part of your body. In fact, you have almost three times more bacteria, viruses and yeast than human cells. Your mouth alone has a unique population of about 500 species of microorganisms. Some of these are harmless, some are helpful, but many have a negative effect on your general health.
Two of the most common culprits behind gum disease are the bacteria species Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Harmful bacteria like these can cause the gums to be red and swollen, or even bleed — even if it’s painless at first.
The problem is that gum disease usually progresses. When it becomes advanced, we call it periodontitis, at which point you’re at risk of cavities, receding gums, losing teeth, and even losing bone.
The larger disease connection
The risk of harm grows larger if the swollen areas of your mouth develop tiny ulcerations. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body through this damaged tissue.
Oral bacteria are now associated as a major cofactor in the development of many diseases and health concerns. These include diabetes, heart and vascular disease, osteoporosis, preterm and low birthweight babies, pneumonia, rheumatic illnesses and some cancers.
About The Author
Dr. Jacqueline Gaudet
Chief Dental Officer - ASAP pathway comprehensive provider
Dr. Gaudet graduated as a doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) from the University of Montréal in 1998. Since then, she has spent thousands of hours on advanced training throughout Canada and around the world.
With experience, she has found that the “drill and fill” approach to dentistry does not make for long term success in dental and overall health. Her research and education has inspired her to take a global health approach to dental care using an evidence-based system to address the whole body.
“Many dental and oral health issues relate to lifestyle habits and/or underlying health issues,” she says. “The goal of Oceana Dental’s comprehensive new patient examination is to find the root cause of disease in the oral cavity so it doesn’t progress and cause more harm to the patient’s overall health.”
Commenting on the pace of technological improvement and the advances in research, she says, “it’s a great time to be a dentist!”
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