Why do gums bleed when brushing teeth? If you are concerned about this issue, then our article will be useful to you. We will look at the causes of bleeding and several ways to combat this phenomenon.

Mechanical impact

In some cases, a hard-bristled brush may be the culprit during a hygiene procedure. Of course, healthy tissues should not react to this factor. However, some patients have overly sensitive gums. Therefore, experts recommend that they use brushes with a medium degree of hardness.

It is necessary to carry out the hygiene procedure itself correctly, carefully. Too much mechanical impact can damage soft tissues and cause bleeding.

Removing food debris with dental floss also needs to be done carefully. It is undesirable to injure healthy gum tissue once again. An open wound is a gateway for infection to enter.

Poor oral health

Another reason that gums bleed after brushing your teeth can be a banal non-compliance with the rules for oral care. Untimely removal of plaque leads to the fact that the pathogenic microflora begins to actively multiply, causing inflammation of the soft tissues. Stones form on the teeth, pushing back the edge of the gums. Simply put, the gate opens for the penetration of microbes into the body. All this can cause a person to bleed gums while brushing their teeth. If the process takes on a regular character, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Taking medication

Some drugs can cause soft tissue bleeding. Basically, these are medicines, which include components that thin the blood. In this case, such a reaction should be indicated in the instructions. These drugs include Aspirin, Warfarin, modifications of heparins, Clopidogrel. In principle, this situation is not dangerous for the patient. After stopping the medication, the vascular system returns to normal.

Unbalanced diet

Why do gums bleed when brushing their teeth in those who often sit on various diets? The health of the body as a whole directly depends on a balanced diet. The vascular system reacts sharply to the lack of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, the diet should be made only by an experienced specialist. Lack of vitamins B, C, E, K will immediately affect the condition of the gums. A person must understand that the manifestation of painful symptoms, swelling or bleeding is a signal from the body for help. Chronic vitamin C deficiency is especially dangerous for us. This can provoke such a terrible disease as scurvy.

Orthopedic constructions

If, after installing a crown or bridge, the gums bleed when brushing your teeth, what should I do? In this situation, the cause of the unpleasant phenomenon is clearly traced. Poor quality work of an orthopedist always causes a lot of problems for a person. If the margins of the crown are poorly fitted, this results in permanent injury to the delicate gum tissue. There are swelling, redness, discomfort in the area of ​​the prosthesis installation. In such situations, you need to contact a specialist.

Diseases

If the patient regularly notes that after brushing the teeth, the gums bleed and swell, then this may indicate the occurrence of a chronic inflammatory process. Oral diseases include gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal disease. The regular nature of bleeding should immediately lead the patient to a specialist. After all, the disease must be diagnosed. Only the right treatment will solve the problem.

It is worth noting that inflammatory processes on the gums can quickly transform into serious diseases, such as periodontal disease. This disease is no longer curable. In some cases, the patient even loses teeth.

Why is it important to see a doctor in a timely manner? A person is not able to independently determine why the gums bleed when brushing their teeth. Not always because the disease is localized in the oral cavity. The causes may be common ailments, for example: diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency, vascular diseases. Therefore, it is extremely important to seek the help of a specialist. Only he is able to correctly diagnose the disease by examining the results of examinations.

Pregnancy

Often, women who are preparing to become mothers are faced with the problem under consideration. During pregnancy, the body undergoes significant changes, an additional load falls on it, violations or malfunctions in the work of all body systems are observed. Expectant mothers often bleed gums when brushing their teeth. How to treat? It is enough to consult a dentist to exclude the presence of diseases of the oral cavity. If everything is normal, then after childbirth, bleeding gums will go away on their own.

Bleeding gums when brushing teeth: medication treatment

So, if the problem at hand brought you to the doctor's office, that's good enough. First of all, the specialist will examine, prescribe an examination and make a diagnosis.

If inflammatory diseases of the cavity are detected, the doctor will prescribe medication. Before you start, you will need to have a professional cleaning of your teeth. The specialist must remove hard plaque in order for the treatment to lead to a positive result.

Next, the doctor selects a complex of drugs: antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, antiseptics and vitamins. Today, lincomycin hydrochloride, Levomycetin, Olazol, Sumamed and others are often used. These medicines are classified as antibiotics.

Be sure to include a special gel or ointment in complex therapy. Antimicrobial drugs will help relieve swelling, reduce the manifestations of inflammation ("Cholisal", "Kamistad", "Metrogil denta"). The active substances of this group of medicines are able to penetrate only into the mucous membrane, without touching the bone tissue. It is for this reason that they are prescribed as the main means only in the treatment of weak inflammatory processes.

In some situations, the specialist additionally prescribes antiseptics or epithelizing drugs (Solcoseryl, Actovegin). They are effective in cases where the inflammatory process has led to tissue breakdown or is accompanied by stomatitis.

In addition to drug treatment, the specialist recommends that the patient balance the diet. If he does not have the opportunity to consume the necessary food in sufficient quantities, it would be rational to start taking a course of vitamins and trace elements.

Hardware treatment

Modern technologies make it possible to effectively deal with. With the help of special preparations, deep cleaning can be carried out. They also help to improve tissue regeneration. It is these features that make hardware treatment in demand.

Devices allow you to effectively deal with various periodontal diseases. Thanks to them, the doctor removes even very hard tartar, removes granulation tissue from the pathological periodontal pocket.

Physiotherapy

This technique is used to treat chronic inflammatory processes. In moments of exacerbation, it is not prescribed. The specialist in certain situations recommends a complex of procedures to the patient.

• Soft tissue massage. It is performed manually or with the help of a special apparatus.
• The darsonvalization method is prescribed in the absence of inclusions of pus in the area of ​​​​gingival pockets. There is an effect of current on the affected areas. As a result, blood circulation is normalized.
• The vacuum therapy method involves the use of special pumps. The action of the device is aimed at artificial rupture of superficial capillaries. This forms a hematoma. At the moment of its resorption, the body activates the regenerative abilities.

Folk methods of treatment

Rinsing with decoctions is always relevant when brushing your teeth. The cause of the phenomenon, of course, must be established. Experts do not recommend self-medication.

Often, after professional cleaning, doctors themselves prescribe treatment with the help of various applications from decoctions of medicinal plants. Or simply rinsing the mouth will help eliminate bleeding. Let's take a look at a few recipes.

• Chamomile flowers have excellent anti-inflammatory and regenerating properties. In order to prepare a decoction, you need to pour 1 tablespoon of boiling water (1 cup). After the broth is infused, it must be filtered and used to rinse the mouth.
• A decoction of oak bark is famous for its astringent effect. This raw material can be called the first assistant in the fight against bleeding gums. Prepare a decoction in the same way as a chamomile remedy.
• In the same proportions, we can prepare an infusion of sage. This plant has excellent antibacterial properties. Rinsing with a decoction can also have an analgesic effect.
• We can recommend baking soda as a standby rinse. After all, the necessary healing plant may not always be at hand. Soda solution is perfect for rinsing. It has antimicrobial properties, relieves inflammation.

So, we discussed in detail why the gums bleed when brushing your teeth and what to do about it. All troubleshooting methods are provided for informational purposes only. When such symptoms occur, it is extremely important to seek the advice of a specialist in a timely manner.

Basically, when inflammation of the oral cavity begins to appear, this can be the cause of an infection that affects the teeth and provoked by poor hygiene. It is followed by dental injuries, improper treatment, very severe caries, etc.

Gingivitis can be identified by the following external symptoms:

• a very large accumulation of plaque and tartar in the area of ​​the dental necks;
• the edge of the gums between the teeth acquires a red or bluish tint;
• gums hurt when touched;
• gums begin to bleed when brushing.

With periodontitis, in addition to these symptoms, there are also:

• tooth mobility;
• loss of their attachment to the gums;
• outflow of pus from periodontal pockets;
• teeth in the neck area are bare;
• after some time, a fan-shaped divergence of teeth is observed.

Plaque and calculus are microorganisms that release toxins and cause inflammation between the teeth. Against this background, the capillaries in the gums weaken and are very easily injured. As a preventive measure for the development of bacteria, soft plaque is removed from the teeth by careful observance of ordinary hygiene, and the dentist removes the hard stone from the enamel with ultrasound or preparations.

Also, the gums can bleed heavily in children during the period of the appearance of milk teeth and even sometimes hurt in women during pregnancy. Expectant mothers should also be attentive to the condition of their teeth, because dental diseases can lead to problems with baby teeth.

If you feel that your gums are bleeding, what to do and why this is happening, the specialist will tell you. It is important to identify the onset of their illness in time and urgently seek advice from a dentist. He will recommend how to effectively treat bleeding with medications and give recommendations about the use of folk remedies.

Traditional treatment

Depending on the type of bleeding and its degree, traditional treatment is prescribed. The most common disease that causes bleeding gums is gingivitis. The main reason for its appearance is considered to be untimely or improper oral hygiene, leading to the appearance of plaque stains, and then tartar, which severely injures them and damages the teeth.

The essence of the treatment of gingivitis is precisely to get rid of the stone and plaque. For this, as a rule, anti-inflammatory drugs, rinses and lotions are prescribed. If the disease has passed into an advanced stage, antibiotics may be prescribed.

If the gum hurts, to alleviate the condition, dentists recommend the following medications:

• ibuprofen;
• paracetamol.

At the initial stage of gingivitis, when the disease has affected only the gum tissue, without penetrating into the muscles or bone tissue, it is better not to postpone the appointment with the dentist. He diagnoses the disease, reveals its cause and degree of development, recommending the most effective treatment, and even relieves teeth from pain by prescribing an effective medicine.

Remember that improper treatment or triggering the disease can lead to extremely negative consequences: the appearance of periodontitis, loss of teeth or an abscess. In the latter cases, even urgent surgical intervention may be necessary.

Folk methods of treatment

In the villages they always knew how to get rid of bleeding gums. Alternative methods of treatment can be effective in the treatment and prevention of their diseases. However, for greater effectiveness of drugs, it is recommended to use such methods after visiting a specialist, or at least shortly before contacting him, in order to alleviate the symptoms. Best of all, such drugs work if you use medications at the same time, as well as special tools that the doctor will recommend.

To treat bleeding from the gums, as well as strengthen the teeth, decoctions and infusions of chamomile, burnet, oak bark, etc. are used. The presented plants are saturated with special substances that have a wound healing and strengthening effect.

How to cure bleeding gums through folk methods? We present some of the most effective recipes below.

Ingredients	Preparation and application
20 g sage 200 ml boiling water	Mix the ingredients, leave for 15 minutes, strain through a sieve and let cool. Rinse your teeth every 2-3 hours.
20 g chamomile 200 ml boiling water	Chamomile is a natural antiseptic. Mix the ingredients, pour boiling water, let cool to room temperature, rinse up to 5 times a day.
50 g oak bark 200 ml warm boiled water	An effective remedy to stop bleeding. Mix the presented ingredients, fill with water, for 10 minutes. put in a water bath. Turn off the heat and let cool until the broth is warm. Rinse your mouth after every meal
20 g calendula 200 ml boiling water	Mix everything together, let it brew for 10-15 minutes, moisten with a cotton swab and wipe the affected gums or make lotions. The visible effect is visible after 3-5 days.

Presented decoctions and tinctures can be used with traditional methods of treatment. But remember that using them will help if the disease is still at the development stage. If the disease is running, only a dentist can help.

Treatment with pharmaceutical preparations

Gels predominate among pharmaceutical preparations for bleeding gums. They are perfectly fixed on the oral mucosa and easily give useful substances to the gums, providing a healing effect and at the same time the effect of their anesthesia.

1. Holisal is an antiseptic, cools and anesthetizes.
2. Metrogil Denta - contains the antibiotic Metronidazole, acts on the surface without being absorbed inside.
3. Kamistad - anti-inflammatory, analgesic.
4. Asepta - suitable for prevention.

In any case, before using the presented drugs, it is recommended to visit a specialist to listen to a consultation and a full treatment. The dentist will examine the gums, recommend a therapeutic toothpaste, prescribe a complex of therapy and be able to save not only the development of the disease, but also its recurrence.

Diet for bleeding gums

If you are interested in the question of how to treat bleeding gums, this is best helped by a diet. It is one of the best ways to fight gum bleeding. The diet implies a balanced diet, including complete animal and vegetable proteins, which will ensure the fastest regeneration of the mucous membrane of the gums and periodontium.

Thus, in the diet for bleeding gums, you need to include:

1. Foods High in Vitamin C- increase immunity (fresh cabbage, greens, raspberries, currants, celery, citrus fruits, tomato, red pepper). These products should be eaten fresh and without sugar - then they retain more nutrients. Vegetables can be steamed so that they retain all their useful qualities.
2. Foods with vitamin B- have a wound-healing effect (apples, dairy products, beef and lamb, oatmeal and buckwheat, chicken eggs, brown rice, rye flour).
3. Foods fortified with vitamin K- participate in blood clotting (cucumbers, avocados, soy, spinach, dairy products, bananas).
4. Vitamin E - helps in the regeneration of the mucosa and reduces its sensitivity (extra virgin olive oil, peas, bread, dairy products, beans, lettuce, corn, cod, wheat, carrot and beetroot juices).

When you are on a diet, it is also better to consume plenty of spices (sea salt, sesame, cinnamon and wasabi) to reduce the fragility of blood vessels in the gum area. They also have an antiseptic effect on the entire body and even help clean plaque from the teeth.

Based on the foregoing, we conclude

1. If you notice bleeding gums, the reasons for this can best be determined by your dentist. Urgently make an appointment with him - negligent attitude to bleeding gums can lead to tooth loss.
2. It is undesirable to treat this problem exclusively at home, but home methods will be good in combination with traditional drugs and as a prevention of the recurrence of the disease.
3. Gels are best suited as therapeutic agents for gums, as they linger well on the mucous membrane.
4. For a speedy recovery or prevention of bleeding gums, it is advisable to follow a special diet high in vitamins C, B, K E.
5. A large amount of spices in the diet will help strengthen the gum mucosa, stop the development of pathogens in the oral cavity, and clean plaque from the teeth.

In people of different age categories and gender, sooner or later the question arises: “Why do gums bleed and what to do at home?” During the day, gingival bleeding usually does not occur. Only occasionally, when a person chews rough food, can one feel the taste of blood. The symptom is more often manifested when hygienic care of the oral cavity is carried out.

Bleeding from the gums is associated with inflammation, which indicates gingivitis or periodontitis. It is not uncommon that bleeding is a manifestation of a systemic pathological process, for example, diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency, pathology of the hematopoietic system and blood.

To permanently get rid of the problem, you need to eliminate their source. Patients cannot always find out the cause of bleeding on their own, so it is better to consult a dentist for diagnosis and proper therapy, even if the patient plans to treat bleeding gums at home.

Bleeding gums are provoked by the following factors.

Gingivitis

With gingivitis, only the gingival margin is exposed to inflammation, and this occurs mainly due to pathogenic microorganisms that are located in the neck of the teeth and in the cavity of the periodontal pockets. Colonies of microorganisms occur most often due to poor hygiene or its complete absence.

If the process is not stopped (eliminated) in a timely manner, the inflammation spreads deeper, affecting the periodontal tissues. The gingival margin bleeds only in the process of brushing your teeth.

Periodontitis

When a person shows signs of inflammation of the gingival margin, but they are ignored and not treated, soft and hard dental deposits, which were previously localized in the cervical region of the teeth, begin to deepen.

Over time, periodontal pockets turn into deep, bony pockets due to the destruction of the bone of the alveolar process of the jaw. To get rid of such a disease by regular brushing of teeth will not work, because most microorganisms become inaccessible to hygiene products.

The symptoms of advanced cases of periodontitis are tooth mobility. After a certain period of time, a person will definitely seek treatment from an orthopedic dentist with a diagnosis of partial or complete secondary adentia. It is important that with periodontitis, blood can be seen not only during brushing, but also in the process of chewing, touching the gums, and sometimes spontaneously.

Aggressive brushing technique

Too sudden movements in time can lead to microdamage to the gums. This usually occurs when using a toothbrush with hard bristles, as well as errors in the flossing technique. Flossing is a procedure for cleaning interdental contacts with dental floss.

Poor or no oral hygiene

If a person does not care for the oral cavity, large colonies of pathogenic microorganisms develop, which are visible to the naked eye as dental deposits. Microorganisms are perceived by the immune system as foreign agents. Immune complexes are included in the mechanism for their destruction and act on those areas of the gums where bacteria are deposited. This is manifested by inflammatory phenomena in these areas, as a protective mechanism.

Hormonal imbalance

An impaired concentration of hormones in the body is observed in adolescents during puberty, in pregnant and lactating women, in the fairer sex during premenstrual syndrome and menopause. The development of inflammation in the gums is associated with improper actions of the immune system.

Malocclusion

If there are any flaws in the dentition: crooked teeth, diastemas and tremas, incorrect jaw ratio, this significantly complicates a person’s life. Food gets stuck between the teeth, microtrauma develops, dry mouth, etc. All this is a provoking factor in the development of inflammation and bleeding of the gums.

Old fillings that have lost their functionality

If the fit of the filling to the tissues of the tooth is broken, microorganisms can accumulate in the microspaces, as well as in the areas of chips. Accumulated microorganisms release toxins in the course of their life activity, which irritate the soft tissues of the oral cavity, provoking inflammatory reactions. If the chipped fillings have sharp edges, there is an additional risk of injury to soft tissues.

Insufficient concentration of iron in the body (a condition of anemia)

Iron is involved in the formation of platelet cells, the main function of which is to thicken the blood. If the trace element is not enough, the risk of bleeding increases several times. Carefully! With iron deficiency, the blood is very difficult to stop, because it does not clot well. In case of anemia, any intervention should be carried out with caution, including professional teeth cleaning.

Home remedies to relieve inflammation and get rid of gum bleeding

Bleeding gums can be treated at home using clove oil and tea tree oil. Clove oil is rich in phenolic compounds. They allow you to stop inflammation and destroy bacterial cells that live in the mouth. Clove oil is also credited with analgesic properties.

Tea tree oil works:

• antiseptic;
• antibacterial;
• anti-inflammatory;
• decongestant.

Cooking recipes:

Bleeding gums can be treated with soda-saline solution. To do this, dissolve in warm water a teaspoon of baking soda and salt. It is allowed to rinse the mouth up to 5-6 times a day. Doctors for rinsing often prescribe decoctions of chamomile, oak bark, calendula. All of these medicinal herbs have good anti-inflammatory properties.

Another remedy for bleeding gums at home is lemon juice. It must be mixed with water. Rinse your mouth after every meal. Honey will help to cope with inflammation in the gums, and, therefore, with bleeding. It just needs to be rubbed into the affected areas. For rubbing, a gel obtained from aloe vera leaves is also used.

Gels that help strengthen the gums and get rid of bleeding

Gel preparations are the most effective. Due to their consistency, they create a thin film on the surface of the gums, which has a therapeutic effect longer than other agents. You can buy the gel at any pharmacy chain and you don’t need a prescription from a dentist.

Based on clinical observations and patient reviews, the most effective drugs in this group can be called:

• Metrogil denta.
• Solcoseryl-gel.
• Dental.
• Holisal (the drug can be used even in infants).

If the gums bleed, folk remedies undoubtedly help, but it is better to combine them with pharmacological preparations. Gels are recommended to be used daily, at least 3 times a day. Apply to the mucous membrane with light, massaging movements. This will improve tissue trophism and accelerate the action of the drug.

Rinsers

Home treatment for bleeding gums can be carried out by rinsing with pharmacological preparations: hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine solution, furacilin solution.

The advantage of hydrogen peroxide is that in addition to the anti-inflammatory and hemostatic effect, it effectively fights dental plaque and acts as a prophylactic drug against other dental diseases. Hydrogen peroxide speeds up the healing process of wounds in the oral cavity.

Solutions of chlorhexidine and furacilin have an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, preventing the development of secondary infection. Doctors recommend rinsing 2 times a day: in the morning and in the evening. The procedure is best done half an hour after eating, immediately after hygienic care. The course of treatment is from 10 to 14 days, depending on the clinical situation.

In combination with rinsing with these drugs, you can use folk remedies: decoctions of medicinal herbs or soda-salt solution.

Patients should remember that treatment with all of the above methods is symptomatic. That is, they alleviate the condition, but do not relieve the cause. To eliminate the cause, you need to undergo treatment at the dentist. Since the main causative factor is poor hygiene and heavy plaque, the doctor conducts professional oral hygiene, explains to the patient the need and benefits of hygiene care and teaches the correct technique of brushing teeth.

Folk remedies

Popular folk remedies for bleeding gums are compresses:

• from propolis.
• From plantain.

They can be done several times a day until the bleeding gums disappear. Propolis is simply applied to the gums for 20-30 minutes.

To make a compress from plantain leaves, they must first be washed well under running water. Then fold several times, you can pre-mash so that the juice comes through. You need to fold it so that the inside of the sheet is at the top. The prepared compress is placed on the gum for at least half an hour. The procedure is carried out several times daily until inflammation and bleeding disappear.

Choice of paste and brush

When bleeding gums are observed, home treatment should be combined with proper brushing of the teeth. To reduce the risk of traumatic effects on the gums, it is temporarily recommended to use. Toothpaste should be therapeutic or treatment-and-prophylactic.

The following pastes help fight bleeding:

• Lacalut
• Lacalut phytoformula.
• Parodontax.
• Parodontax F.
• President exclusive.
• Forest balm for bleeding gums.

The positive effect is the use of irrigators. A jet of water massages the gums, improving tissue nutrition. This allows you to quickly cope with gingivitis and other causes of bleeding.

Diet

Gingival bleeding therapy should always be carried out in conditions of proper nutrition. To strengthen the vascular walls, it is necessary to increase the concentration of vitamin C in the body. It is found in large quantities in greens, vegetables, berries and fruits, so it is necessary to use them and it is better not to heat them.

Vitamins of group B contribute to the strengthening of enamel and soft tissues. They also accelerate the healing of microwounds. Foods enriched with vitamins - lamb and beef, eggs, milk, buckwheat, oatmeal, almonds, garlic and apples.

Spicy, sour and salty foods should be completely excluded from the diet. To reduce trauma to the gums, food should not be rough and tough. Simultaneously with the normalization of the diet, it is necessary to take a complex of vitamins, including C, B, E, K, PP, since it is difficult to make up for their deficiency with food alone.

Useful video about the treatment of bleeding gums at home

I like!

If you treat inflammation of the gums with medication, then you should pay attention to the gels and tablets from bleeding gums, which are applied twice a day to the gums, after rinsing.

From pharmaceutical preparations, you can choose chlorhexidine. For gums, this is just a salvation, because it normalizes the hygiene index, causing inflammation to regress even in the case of chronic gingivitis and other diseases. Therefore, chlorhexidine for rinsing gums is the most popular remedy in dentistry.

Other remedies to help reduce gum bleeding include:

• Cleansing foam for teeth. It is more suitable for prevention, as it generally restores the natural pH balance of saliva after eating, but after treatment, it can be used to consolidate the effect and protect the oral cavity.

Cleansing foam for teeth

• .It is anti-inflammatory (which treats bleeding gums) and for the preventive strengthening of teeth or gums. The best toothpaste for bleeding gums, according to reviews, is Lacalut from Germany, since, in addition to the antiseptic chlorhexidine, it contains natural soothing elements: sage, mint, chamomile. Also popular are the British "Parodontax", "Forest Balsam" of domestic production (much cheaper than analogues).
• Dental gels. They are sold without a prescription, and are applicable both for the treatment of gum disease and their prevention. Apply three times a day, gently massaging the tissues so that blood flow ensures the best effect of the drug. The most popular are the gels "Metrogil-denta", "Cholisal", "Dental" based on antibiotics and chlorhexidine, and "Cholisal" can be used even by pregnant women.

It is really possible to achieve the best result using several means at once in a complex. However, although there is no requirement for a prescription for many drugs, in any case, do not treat bleeding gums with medicines on your own, without consulting a doctor. Acting "at random" can only make things worse by making your gums bleed more.

In addition to the doctor, you can treat bleeding gums at home, but you should be careful: use only harmless folk remedies for bleeding gums that can be found in a pharmacy. They are usually accompanied by instructions with a list of contraindications. This is especially important for women who are expecting a baby.

Treatment at home

The treatment of bleeding gums with folk remedies enjoys well-deserved recognition. The advantage of natural ingredients is their freshness, harmlessness, absence of chemical additives. You can remove bleeding gums with the help of herbs. Herbs for bleeding gums are the best natural helper.

St. John's wort rinse

Recipe: Pour 20 g of dry leaves into a glass of vodka or half a glass of alcohol, then insist for 7 days. Rinse the mouth with undiluted infusion, including the gums, without swallowing.

Hypericum infusion

Rinse with baking soda solution

This method has established itself as an excellent remedy for bleeding gums due to its availability and effectiveness, because every housewife in the kitchen has at least a pinch of soda, which can be dissolved in a glass of warm water and rinsed her mouth a couple of times a day, in the morning plus at night.

Infusion of pharmacy chamomile for the benefit of gums

Due to the healing and anti-inflammatory effect of chamomile, it is widely used in many areas of traditional medicine, and gum treatment for periodontitis with folk remedies is no exception. One tablespoon of dry chamomile inflorescences should be added to a glass of boiling water. After insisting for half an hour, strain through cheesecloth and let the infusion cool. You can take it both locally (rinse) and inside.

Blueberries

An infusion of blueberries, rich in vitamins necessary for health, helps not only eyesight, but also teeth: pour 30 g of dried blueberries with a glass of boiling water and wait 10 hours until it is infused.

Decoction of oak bark

Oak bark is known as one of the best folk remedies due to its astringent effect. To prepare a decoction, you need to mix two teaspoons of the bark with 200 g of water and wait 3 hours.

Kalanchoe leaves

They say that Kalanchoe is an excellent antiseptic, and has good astringent qualities. Treatment will be better if Kalanchoe leaves are insisted on alcohol. First you need to squeeze the juice, after crushing and cooling the leaves, pour alcohol (ratio 1:10), leave for a week. For a rinse solution, just add a teaspoon of the resulting tincture to a glass of warm water.

Sage tea

Sage qualitatively relieves pain, kills harmful bacteria. To make an infusion, you need to pour a teaspoon of dry grass with a glass of boiling water. Strain through cheesecloth or strainer, insisting for half an hour.

Sage tea

Plantain

Washed plantain leaves can either be poured with boiling water, rubbing the gums and the mouth cavity, or simply chewed a couple of times a day for three days, spitting out as soon as the leaves turn into gruel.

pine buds

A tablespoon of chopped pine buds should be poured with 500 ml of water and boiled over low heat for about 10 minutes, then let it brew for half an hour. Then the broth should be filtered and rinsed with a mouth at least three times a day, half a glass.

Salt rinses

Sea salt is not only a soothing bath remedy, but also an aid in stopping bleeding gums. A spoonful of sea salt is stirred in a glass of warm water, the mouth is rinsed with a solution twice a day.

These are not all recipes for useful infusions and decoctions that can improve the condition of the gums. There are tinctures consisting of several elements so that the beneficial substances of each plant serve to benefit, complementing each other. For example, chamomile can also be mixed with calendula in equal proportions.

Now that we know all the methods of dental treatment both at home and at the doctor, it is worth remembering the rules of prevention that will allow teeth and gums to remain strong and healthy.

Prevention of bleeding gums includes:

• Proper balanced nutrition. In winter, when there are not enough fresh gifts from the garden, and frozen semi-finished products predominate in the diet, you can resort to the help of vitamin complexes that will have a beneficial effect not only on teeth, but also on hair, nails and skin. But in the "harvest" time, it is better to consume as many vegetables, fruits, and protein-containing foods as possible. Carrot juice is especially good for gums.
• Regular brushing of teeth. It is enough to brush your teeth twice a day (morning, evening) to remove plaque. The technique of brushing your teeth is also important: do not be too zealous, using hard bristles, it harms the enamel and directly the periodontium. Do not forget also the inside of the cheeks, to maintain oral hygiene.
• Periodic visits to the doctor. It is important to remember that the best treatment is prevention. It is always easier to prevent a disease than to spend precious time looking for medicines and doctors' services.

These tips will help prevent and cure periodontal disease and other diseases that lead to bleeding gums. However, it is important that many underestimate bleeding, which is why they try to get rid of only the symptoms, while it is a sign of a more serious disease that can no longer be corrected by simple hygiene with rinsing. After all, even with effective disposal of bleeding, there is no guarantee that gum problems will not return again after a while.

Sometimes medical intervention is needed; and if the bleeding does not go away within five days, despite folk remedies, the visit to the doctor should not be postponed for an hour, so as not to cause more ailments.

Bleeding gums can be periodic and appear only with mechanical irritation of the gums or bother for a long time. Poor and irregular oral hygiene is the most common factor that leads to the appearance of pathological conditions accompanied by bleeding gums. Delayed diagnosis of the causes of bleeding gums can result in loss of teeth or damage to the jaw bones.

Anatomy of the tooth and gums

Teeth are organs that are located in the oral cavity and serve for the mechanical processing of food ( grasping, grinding, grinding food). The teeth are arranged in two rows ( dental arches).

Depending on the form and functions that they perform, the following groups of teeth are distinguished:

• incisors;
• fangs;
• premolars ( small molars);
• molars ( large molars).

The incisors grab and cut food, the fangs tear food, with the help of large and small molars, food is grinded.

The relationship of the teeth with a complete closure of the jaw is called a bite. Distinguish between temporary and permanent bite. Temporary bite is represented by 20 milk teeth. It is replaced by a permanent bite, which is represented by 32 teeth. An adult has 2 incisors, 1 canine, 2 premolars and 3 molars in each half of each jaw. Changing teeth occurs once in a lifetime. Milk teeth begin to erupt at 5-7 months of age. At the age of 5-7 years, milk teeth fall out, gradually being replaced by permanent ones.

Each tooth is divided into the following sections:

• Crown of the tooth is the thickened part of the tooth that protrudes into the oral cavity.
• Tooth root is the part of the tooth located in the jaw alveolus ( recess in which the tooth is located).
• neck of the tooth- this is the place of transition of the crown to the root. In the cervical region, a circular ligament of the tooth is attached, which goes to the necks of adjacent teeth, gums and alveoli.

Inside the tooth is a cavity in which the pulp is located. The pulp contains loose fibrous connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. The pulp performs trophic ( nutrition of dental tissue), plastic ( participation in the formation of dental tissues) and protective ( infection protection) functions. In the cavity of the tooth, the crown part and root canals are distinguished. The place where the coronal part of the tooth passes into the root canals is called the mouth of the root canal. In the region of the apex of the tooth, the root canals end with an apical foramen.

The basis of the tooth is dentin. Its structure is similar to that of bones. Outside, in the region of the crown of the tooth, the dentin is covered with enamel, and in the region of the root, it is covered with cementum. Enamel is considered the hardest tissue in the human body. The basis of tooth enamel is calcium and phosphorus. The condition of the enamel is determined by the ratio of these elements. Enamel protects the pulp and dentin from external irritants. Cement consists of collagen fibers and a base substance impregnated with calcium salts.

Periodontium is located between the bone alveolus and cementum. Periodontium performs trophic, supporting-retaining, plastic, protective functions. The alveolus, periodontium, and gums that surround the teeth are called the periodontium.

The functions of the periodontium are:

• barrier function is to protect against the action of external and internal stimuli.
• Trophic function provided by a well-developed network of blood and lymphatic vessels, nerve endings.
• shock absorbing function is to protect tissues from injury.
• plastic function consists in the regeneration of periodontal tissues with pathological changes.

The gum is a mucous membrane that covers the teeth in the cervical region and covers the alveolar processes of the jaws.

There are the following parts of the gum:

• Free ( interdental) gum The part of the gum that is located between two adjacent teeth. Part of the free gum is the interdental papilla, which has the shape of a triangle with the apex facing the cutting surfaces of the teeth.
• Attached gum. This is the part of the gum that covers the alveolar processes of the jaws. It is tightly fused with the periosteum and is inactive due to the absence of a submucosal layer.
• Marginal part of the gum (marginal gingiva) - this is the part of the gum that is adjacent to the neck of the tooth, circular fibers are woven into it ( circular) ligaments of the tooth.

The gum consists of a stratified squamous epithelium and its own connective tissue plate, in which the vascular network is located. The capillaries of the gums are located very close to the surface of the epithelium.

The blood supply to the teeth and gums is carried out by the branches of the maxillary artery. The blood supply to the maxilla is provided by the superior alveolar arteries, and the blood supply to the mandible is provided by the inferior alveolar arteries. The outflow of blood is carried out by the veins of the same name, which accompany the arteries. The innervation of the teeth and gums is carried out by the branches of the trigeminal nerve.

Why does blood appear when brushing teeth?

When brushing your teeth, gum bleeding is most common. The reasons for this phenomenon can be varied. Most often, the gums bleed when brushing your teeth due to improper and irregular brushing, an improperly selected toothbrush, and the presence of oral diseases.

Poor oral hygiene contributes to the appearance of blood when brushing your teeth. This is due to the activity of microorganisms in plaque, which accumulates in the form of a film on the surface of the teeth. Initially, soft dental deposits are formed, which can be removed with a toothbrush and dental floss. Further, the lack of proper hygiene leads to the hardening of plaque, which serves as the basis for the formation of tartar. Tartar, in turn, is an irritant to the gum tissue and contributes to its inflammation, which, when brushed, is manifested by bleeding.

Improper brushing of teeth causes mechanical injury to the gums, as a result of which they bleed. Often, the gums bleed due to errors in choosing a toothbrush. In the presence of periodontal disease, it should not be rigid, as this serves as an additional traumatic factor. It is recommended to use one toothbrush for 1-2 months, after which it is necessary to replace it with a new one. Also, this symptom may appear due to careless and sudden movements when brushing your teeth. Often gums bleed when brushing teeth with floss ( dental floss). It should be noted that flossing is an indispensable tool for cleaning interdental spaces, and bleeding occurs only as a result of improper flossing and damage to the gums during brushing.

Also, when brushing your teeth, the gums can bleed due to the presence of diseases of the oral cavity. Such diseases can be gingivitis ( gum disease), periodontitis ( periodontal inflammation), periodontal disease ( systemic periodontal disease). In this case, bleeding does not go away until the disease that caused it is treated. The mechanism of bleeding in this case is the increased permeability of the capillaries of the gums, the fragility and fragility of the walls of blood vessels, for which brushing the teeth is a traumatic factor.

As a rule, if the gums rarely bleed when brushing your teeth, then this is most likely due to neglect of the rules of oral hygiene and injury to the gums as a result of improper brushing of the teeth. If this symptom is persistent, you should consult a doctor to find out the cause of bleeding and treatment.

Causes of bleeding in the gums

The causes of bleeding in the gums are often pathologies of the gums and periodontium. The most common pathologies that are accompanied by bleeding gums are gingivitis, periodontal disease, periodontitis. Also, gums often bleed when mechanically damaged.

Causes of bleeding in the gums

Pathologies that cause bleeding in the gums	Bleeding mechanism	Possible consequences
Gingivitis	With gingivitis, the protective and adaptive mechanisms of the gums are weakened. The formation of dental plaque, hard dental deposits in gingivitis is a condition for the accumulation of bacteria that play a leading role in the mechanism of gingival inflammation. As a result, there is a violation of microcirculation and the formation of gingival edema due to increased permeability of the vascular wall. Inflammation can occur with thickening of the gingival papillae or, conversely, with their atrophy ( decrease). Due to the local inflammatory process, ulcerations form on the mucous membrane, the gum capillaries become fragile, which is accompanied by bleeding. There is a thinning of the epithelium, which is also accompanied by soreness and bleeding at the slightest touch. Hypertrophic gingivitis causes parakeratosis ( pathological keratinization of the epithelium).	periodontal disease; periodontitis; abscess ( purulent tissue inflammation); jaw bone injury osteomyelitis); hematogenous ( through the blood) spread of infection to other organs; noma ( necrotizing tissues of the maxillofacial region as a result of ulcerative necrotic gingivitis).
periodontal disease	With periodontal disease, microcirculation is disturbed and a neurodystrophic process develops ( violation of tissue trophism). With the progression of the disease, resorption of bone tissue and periodontium occurs, and the stability of the dentition is lost. With poor-quality oral hygiene, an inflammatory process joins the violations of the trophism of periodontal tissues. Inflammation is accompanied by fragility ( fragility) the walls of the capillaries of the gums, which is accompanied by bleeding.	destruction of peridental tissues; gingival abscess ( flux); retrograde pulpitis; tooth loss.
Periodontitis	The main links in the pathogenesis of periodontitis are inflammation, alveolitis ( destruction of the jaw alveoli) and periodontal pocket formation. The disease begins with inflammation of the gums, which goes to all parts of the periodontium. Dental attachment is broken. Dental deposits with pathogenic microflora get into periodontal pockets. The local reaction of periodontal tissues to the activity of microorganisms and their toxins occurs at the capillary level and consists in the development of the inflammatory process. In response to this, enzymes and biologically active substances are released. There is a sharp dilatation extension) capillaries and an increase in their permeability, which is clinically manifested by bleeding and swelling. If at this stage the etiological factor is not eliminated, the pathological process becomes chronic, edema intensifies and trophism is disturbed ( nutrition) tissues. With generalized periodontitis, the barrier function of the periodontium is disturbed and the reactivity of the organism decreases.	periodontal abscess; loss of teeth; hematogenous spread of infection to other organs; resorption ( resorption) alveolar process of the jaws.
Mechanical damage	With mechanical damage to the gums, a violation of the integrity of the tissues and vessels of the gums occurs, which leads to the appearance of bleeding. In connection with the violation of the integrity of the epithelium of the gums, the risk of purulent complications increases.	periodontal inflammation; periodontal inflammation ( periodontitis); periodontal abscess; damage to the jaw bones.

Complications of the above diseases can be not only local. Often, the presence of a chronic inflammatory focus in the oral cavity is accompanied by a risk of developing systemic diseases ( damage to the cardiovascular system, respiratory diseases). During pregnancy, the presence of periodontitis or gingivitis is fraught with premature birth.

Bleeding gums in various pathologies

Bleeding is often the first symptom of periodontal and gum disease, which can be inflammatory, dystrophic or mechanical in nature. As a rule, bleeding is accompanied by other symptoms - pain, swelling, itching, discomfort, which can be permanent or appear under certain conditions.

Gingivitis as a cause of bleeding gums

Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease of the gums, which is characterized by the preservation of the integrity of the periodontal junction. Gingivitis occurs predominantly in young people ( up to 30 years). Inflammation of the gums can occur in a localized or generalized form. The localized form of gingivitis is the result of local factors ( poor oral hygiene, vital activity of plaque microorganisms). The generalized form usually occurs with systemic diseases ( diabetes mellitus, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, leukemia, infectious diseases). Gingivitis can also be one of the manifestations of occupational intoxication ( poisoning) mercury, lead, bismuth. Often gingivitis occurs as a result of an acute respiratory infection ( SARS).

Gingivitis is common in people with orthodontic braces ( braces), because they ( especially with poor oral hygiene) serve as a site for the accumulation of plaque.

The intensity of lesions in gingivitis varies depending on the severity of the disease. With mild gingivitis, damage to the gingival papillae occurs, with moderate gingivitis, damage to the marginal gums joins the inflammation of the papillae. The defeat of the entire gum is characteristic of severe gingivitis.

The diagnosis of gingivitis is established on the basis of patient complaints and examination of the oral cavity using dental instruments. The main complaints of patients with gingivitis are bleeding and soreness of the gums, bad breath. With various forms of gingivitis, additional symptoms may appear.

Gingivitis can occur in several forms:

• catarrhal;
• hypertrophic;
• ulcerative necrotic;
• desquamative.

Catarrhal gingivitis
Catarrhal gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease. Catarrhal gingivitis usually has a chronic course with periodic exacerbations. Patients, as a rule, go to the doctor with an exacerbation of the pathological process, complaining of severe bleeding of the gums when brushing their teeth and eating, increased sensitivity of the gums, and bad breath.

On examination, the following symptoms of catarrhal gingivitis are revealed:

• swelling of the gums;
• hyperemia ( redness) gums;
• modified gingival contour;
• bleeding;
• positive Schiller-Pisarev test ( lubrication of the gums with Schiller-Pisarev solution, after which the gum acquires an intense color in the presence of chronic inflammation);
• absence of a periodontal pocket unlike periodontitis.);
• the presence of soft and hard dental deposits.

Hypertrophic gingivitis
A common cause of hypertrophic gingivitis is hormonal changes ( pregnancy, adolescence). Most often, hypertrophic gingivitis is localized in the region of the anterior teeth. Gingival hypertrophy is characterized by its deformation, hypertrophied gum can cover the tooth crown from 1/3 to 2/3 or cover it completely. Hypertrophic gingivitis can manifest itself in an edematous or fibrous form.

The edematous form of hypertrophic gingivitis is manifested by an increase in the volume of the gums and bleeding gums. Moreover, bleeding can occur both when brushing your teeth and eating, and when you touch the gums. The gums become glossy with a bluish tint. In addition to bleeding, swelling of the gingival papillae and soreness are characteristic. Patients complain of aesthetic disorders. The formation of false ( gingival) pockets ( formation of space between the tooth and the gum without loss of the periodontal connection).

In the fibrous form of hypertrophic gingivitis, keratinization of the gingival epithelium occurs, proliferation ( overgrowth) connective tissue. Bleeding with this form of gingivitis is very rare. The main complaints are gingival deformity and aesthetic defect associated with gingival growth. On examination, subgingival deposits, gingival pockets are revealed.

Ulcerative necrotizing gingivitis
Ulcerative necrotic gingivitis is usually characterized by an acute course. The first symptoms of this disease are soreness and bleeding of the gums. Eating is usually difficult. In addition to local symptoms, ulcerative gingivitis is characterized by a deterioration in the patient's general condition with fever, weakness, and malaise. On examination, a gray-necrotic plaque is detected on the gingival margin, necrotic interdental papillae. An attempt to remove plaque is accompanied by severe pain and bleeding.

Characteristic changes occur in the blood - an increase or decrease in the level of leukocytes ( white blood cells), increased ESR ( sedimentation rate of erythrocytes) . On the radiograph, characteristic changes are not detected.

Ulcerative necrotic gingivitis often appears in diseases such as leukemia, agranulocytosis ( a disease of the hematopoietic system, which is characterized by a sharp decrease in the level of leukocytes), therefore, it is necessary to conduct a differential diagnosis to exclude these diseases. For this, a detailed clinical blood test and instrumental studies are prescribed.

Desquamative gingivitis
Desquamative gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums accompanied by desquamation ( flaking) epithelium and intense hyperemia ( redness) gums. The causes of desquamative gingivitis may be metabolic disorders ( metabolism in the body), infectious diseases, hormonal imbalance, allergic reaction.

At the first stage of this disease, patients rarely go to the doctor, since there is no bleeding and soreness of the gums, only a slight reddening of the gums is noted. With the progression of the disease, brushing the teeth becomes painful and is accompanied by bleeding, patients complain of a “burn” sensation in the gums. The mucous membrane of the gums becomes bright red, palpation ( feeling a) gums is very painful. The epithelium of the gums exfoliates in layers, accompanied by bleeding. This disease is characterized by a deterioration in the general condition of the patient.

Periodontal disease as a cause of bleeding gums

Periodontal disease is a rare disease 1 - 8% of patients). This disease mainly affects the elderly. Often, periodontal disease has an asymptomatic course, in connection with this, patients go to the doctor late, when, along with dystrophic changes, an inflammatory process develops.

The first stage of periodontal disease is characterized by a poor clinical picture. Patients complain of increased sensitivity in the neck of the teeth, itching and discomfort in the gums. The gum is smoothed, in the area of ​​the affected teeth, a roller-like thickening of the gums can be noted. Good fixation of the teeth is maintained, dental deposits are present in small quantities. Mild periodontal disease is characterized by gingival recession ( reduction of gums in volume, accompanied by exposure of the necks and roots of the teeth) up to 3 mm.

With moderate and severe periodontal disease, gum recession of more than 5 mm is noted. Patients complain of an aesthetic defect, hypersensitivity, itching. With significant exposure of the necks and roots and teeth, the fixation of the teeth is disturbed, which can lead to tooth loss.

The exposure of the necks and roots of the teeth is pathognomonic ( characteristic of a particular disease) is a sign of periodontal disease. On this basis, and by reducing the height of the interdental septum, the severity of the disease is determined.

Severity of periodontal disease

Signs of the disease	Light degree	Average degree	Severe degree
The degree of exposure of the necks and roots of the teeth	Exposing the necks of the teeth up to 1/3 of the size	Exposure of necks and roots of teeth up to 1/2 size	Complete root exposure
Reducing the height of the interdental septum	Up to 1/3	Up to 1/2	More than 1/2

When an inflammatory component joins the dystrophic process, a characteristic clinical picture is observed - in the area of ​​some teeth, the gum becomes pale and tightly covers the roots of the teeth, periodontal pockets are absent, while in the area of ​​other teeth there is hyperemia of the gums, the presence of periodontal pockets, suppuration.

The diagnosis of periodontal disease is established on the basis of data from the clinical examination of the patient and is confirmed by the results of radiography and orthopantomography ( panoramic tomography), which reveals sclerotic changes in bone tissue ( connective tissue replacement), reducing the height of the interdental septa. In case of periodontal disease complicated by inflammation, it is important to conduct a differential diagnosis with periodontitis.

Periodontitis as a cause of bleeding gums

Periodontitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of periodontal tissues and destruction of bone tissue. Periodontitis most often occurs in a chronic form with periods of exacerbation and remission. Clinical manifestations of periodontitis are increased sensitivity of the gums, bleeding when brushing teeth and eating. On examination, cyanotic ( cyanotic) gingiva shade.

Periodontal inflammation can be localized or generalized. Localized periodontitis is caused by local causes ( improper installation of prostheses, ingress of filling material into the interdental space) and is limited to the region of one or more teeth. With generalized periodontitis, the entire dentition is affected.

A characteristic feature of periodontitis is the presence of periodontal pockets. The depth of periodontal pockets varies depending on the severity of periodontitis. With mild periodontitis, the depth of periodontal pockets does not exceed 4 mm, with moderate periodontitis - up to 5 mm. Severe periodontitis is characterized by pockets with a depth of more than 6 mm, with purulent contents. The depth of the periodontal pocket is measured using a special probe, which is graduated. The probe is inserted between the tooth and the gum until it stops at the deepest point, after which the depth of the periodontal pocket is recorded in millimeters.

With an exacerbation of the pathological process, there is a deterioration in the general condition of the patient, severe pain in the gums and bleeding, pus is released from the periodontal pockets. The gums become hypertrophied and edematous, pathological tooth mobility of varying degrees appears. Pressing on the gum causes pain.

A separate form of periodontitis is considered to be prosthetic periodontitis, which occurs due to the traumatic effect of prostheses on periodontal tissue. As a rule, such a pathological condition is associated with poor-quality prosthetics. Prosthetic periodontitis is characterized by limited tissue damage in the area of ​​their contact with the prosthesis. When examining the microflora of the periodontal sulcus, it is revealed that the total number of microbes is higher in the area of ​​the teeth in contact with the prosthesis, and anaerobic microorganisms are predominantly detected ( microorganisms that can thrive in an environment without free oxygen), which are most often responsible for the occurrence of periodontitis.

Pathological changes are detected by X-ray examination. The contours of the bone tissue of the alveolar processes of the jaws are indistinct, there are foci of bone tissue destruction, bone resorption. The structure of bone tissue changes only in the affected areas.

A microbiological examination of the contents of periodontal pockets can also be carried out to detect pathogenic microorganisms and determine their sensitivity to antibiotics, which is of great importance for the effectiveness of treatment.

Mechanical damage as a cause of bleeding gums

Mechanical damage to the gums occurs quite often. Mechanical damage to the gums can be acute or chronic. The causes of this pathological condition can be varied.

The most common causes of mechanical damage to the gums are:

• Poor cavity hygiene of the mouth entails the accumulation of dental deposits, which are initially soft ( plaque) and can be removed with a toothbrush. Then there is calcification and compaction of dental deposits, resulting in the formation of tartar, which is a mechanical traumatic factor for the gums. Poor oral hygiene refers to irregular and poor-quality brushing of teeth.
• Injury to the gums with dental instruments occurs infrequently and is the result of accidental injury.
• Poorly fitted dentures is a problem that occurs quite often. In this case, an occlusion violation occurs ( relationship between the teeth of the upper and lower jaws), that is, the dentition or individual teeth do not completely close. This, in turn, leads to excessive stress on the teeth and damage to the periodontium. Also, too tight fit of the prosthesis to the gum or, conversely, the formation of a gap between the prosthesis and the gum, leads to complications when installing dentures. In the first case, the prosthesis mechanically irritates the gums and leads to inflammation. In the second case, food debris or plaque and calculus accumulate in the gap. An error in prosthetics can occur at the stage of making a prosthesis or during its installation.
• Intake of solid food, especially in people with inflamed gums, sometimes accompanied by mechanical damage to the gums.
• Injury from foreign bodies, which may accidentally enter the sulcus or gum tissue ( toothpaste bristles, bones).

Symptoms of mechanical damage to the gums always appear at the point of contact with the traumatic factor. As a rule, these are inflammatory changes. With prolonged action of a mechanical stimulus, inflammatory changes can spread to neighboring areas.

The characteristic signs of mechanical damage to the gums are:

• bleeding, which, as a rule, does not disappear until the traumatic factor is eliminated;
• pain in the gums;
• defect in the gum;
• swelling of the gums at the site of injury;
• gum hyperemia;
• ulceration of the mucous membrane at the site of injury.

Treatment of pathologies that cause bleeding gums

For the treatment of pathologies that cause bleeding gums, you should definitely consult a doctor, since self-medication is fraught with complications. Timely access to a doctor is of great importance for the effectiveness of treatment. In this regard, it is recommended to visit the dentist ( even if there are no complaints) for preventive examination and professional oral hygiene.

Which doctor should I contact with bleeding gums?

Diagnosis and treatment of the causes of gum bleeding is most often done in dental clinics and dental offices.

When bleeding gums appear, you can contact the following specialists:

• Dentist is a doctor who deals with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the oral cavity.
• Periodontist deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the tissues surrounding the teeth.
• Dental hygienist examines the oral cavity and conducts professional oral hygiene, that is, the removal of soft and hard dental deposits. The dental hygienist also corrects the patient's hygiene skills, that is, teaches the patient proper oral hygiene. It is recommended to visit this specialist every six months.
• Orthodontist carries out diagnostics, treatment and prevention of dental anomalies, correction of the dentition.
• Orthopedist carries out implantation and prosthetics of teeth, correction of prosthetics in case of improper manufacture or installation of prostheses.

The above specialists, in order to exclude systemic diseases manifested by bleeding gums, can refer the patient to an oncologist, hematologist, therapist, endocrinologist.

Tactics for the treatment of pathologies that cause bleeding gums

The tactics of treating diseases accompanied by bleeding gums, in each case, is selected individually, based on the patient's condition, the severity of the disease. Treatment may be etiotropic ( aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease), pathogenetic ( acting on the mechanism of disease development) and symptomatic. In order to stop bleeding gums, just symptomatic treatment is not enough, so treatment should be comprehensive.

Therapeutic tactics has its own characteristics in the treatment of the following pathologies:

• gingivitis;
• periodontal disease;
• periodontitis;
• mechanical damage to the gums.

Tactics for the treatment of gingivitis
The first link in the treatment of gingivitis is to eliminate the causes of the disease. To do this, sanitation of the oral cavity, elimination of traumatic factors, removal of dental deposits is carried out. Removal of dental deposits is carried out using special tools ( curettes, excavators, ultrasonic equipment). After sanitation of the oral cavity, conservative treatment is started. If indicated, surgical treatment is performed.

The main methods used in the treatment of gingivitis are:

• Antibacterial therapy. As a rule, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed. Before prescribing antibacterial drugs, it is advisable to determine the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to antibiotics. Antibacterial drugs can be prescribed for oral administration in the form of tablets, injections into the gums, applications ( applying drugs to a gauze bandage, followed by application to the gums).
• . The most common drugs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which have an analgesic effect, relieve inflammation. After a full course of anti-inflammatory treatment, bleeding disappears. In the edematous form of gingivitis, steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed ( hydrocortisone) for local treatment.
• Physiotherapy methods play an important role in the treatment of gingivitis. Gum massage is very effective, which stimulates microcirculation and accelerates the regeneration of gum tissues, improves the hygienic condition of the oral cavity. Physiotherapy is prescribed only after the implementation of professional oral hygiene.
• Surgery gingivitis is carried out with the ineffectiveness of conservative methods of treatment. Surgical treatment is carried out after preliminary sanitation of the oral cavity. For hypertrophied gingivitis, gingivectomy is performed ( excision of the inflamed gingiva). With ulcerative necrotic gingivitis, after anesthesia of the affected area, necrotic tissues are removed. Removal of necrotic tissue requires care to avoid damage to underlying healthy tissue.
• Antiseptics. As antiseptics, chlorhexidine, metronidazole, furatsilin, phytopreparations ( chamomile tea, green tea). Antiseptics have a local antibacterial effect.
• Keratoplastic preparations. Keratoplastic drugs help accelerate the regeneration of gum tissue. These include actovegin, solcoseryl, vitamin A, vitamin E. These drugs are used in the form of applications.
• vitamin therapy. Vitamin C, B vitamins, rutin are prescribed, which help strengthen the walls of blood vessels, improve microcirculation, and accelerate regeneration. Vitamins may be given by mouth or administered by electrophoresis.
• Sclerotherapy involves the introduction into the gums of drugs that contribute to the replacement of sections of gum tissue with connective tissue. This method is used in the fibrous form of hypertrophic gingivitis. Sclerosing agents are administered under anesthesia. The course of treatment includes an average of 4 - 8 injections. As sclerosing agents, a hypertonic solution of calcium chloride, glucose, calcium gluconate, and ethyl alcohol is introduced.

The lasting effect of the treatment of gingivitis occurs when the cause of bleeding is eliminated. Teaching proper oral hygiene is of great importance, since neglect of the rules of oral hygiene is often one of the reasons that lead to bleeding gums. High-quality oral hygiene is the key to successful treatment and prevention of the recurrence of gingivitis.

Tactics for the treatment of periodontal disease
The goal of periodontal disease treatment is to improve blood circulation and regeneration processes in periodontal tissues. The first step in the treatment of periodontal disease is professional hygiene and sanitation of the oral cavity.

The main methods of treatment of periodontal disease are:

• Orthopedic treatment includes splinting and prosthetics. Splinting refers to the combination of several teeth with a splint into one block. Splinting can be temporary and permanent, it is carried out when the mobility of the teeth appears. Quality orthopedic treatment plays a key role in the treatment of periodontal disease.
• Physiotherapy methods are prescribed to improve microcirculation, improve the trophism of periodontal tissues, restore the elasticity of the vascular wall. Massage has a good effect on periodontal disease ( vacuum massage, finger massage, vibration massage), electrophoresis with calcium and fluorine preparations, laser therapy, local magnetotherapy.
• vitamin therapy provides for the appointment of B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K. The purpose of vitamin therapy is to normalize metabolism and vascular wall permeability, improve microcirculation.
• Surgery. Surgical treatment for periodontitis is prescribed based on the severity of pathological changes in the periodontium. The most commonly prescribed gingivoplasty ( gingival contour correction).
• Medical treatment. Drugs are prescribed that help improve blood circulation, accelerate the process of tissue regeneration. These drugs include trental, insadol.

In case of periodontal disease complicated by inflammation, the inflammatory process is initially eliminated, and then periodontal disease is treated.

Tactics for the treatment of periodontitis
Treatment of periodontitis should be comprehensive. If the development of periodontitis is associated with systemic pathology, then in parallel with the treatment of periodontitis, its treatment is carried out.

In the treatment of periodontitis, both local and general treatment are used, using conservative and surgical methods of treatment. The first step in the treatment of periodontitis is the rehabilitation of the oral cavity.

Medicines used in the treatment of periodontitis

Drug group	Group representatives	Mechanism of action
Drugs that inhibit the synthesis of inflammatory mediators	acetylsalicylic acid ( aspirin); butadione.	Provides anti-inflammatory and analgesic anesthetic) the effect.
Antibiotics	lincomycin.	Suppress the reproduction or cause the death of pathogenic microorganisms.
Antihistamines	diprazine;	They have a sedative and analgesic effect.
Preparations that improve microcirculation	pentoxifylline.	Improve tissue oxygen supply and microcirculation.
Drugs that improve metabolic processes in tissues	B vitamins; vitamin C; askorutin.	Reduce the permeability and fragility of capillaries, affect the formation of collagen, activate redox processes in the body.

If drug therapy is not effective enough, then resort to surgical methods for the treatment of periodontitis.

Surgical treatments for periodontitis include:

• curettage, which involves scraping the contents of the periodontal pocket, removing pathological granulation tissue and processing the roots of the teeth. Curettage is carried out at a depth of periodontal pockets of no more than 4-5 mm, since at such a depth it is possible to visually control the course of manipulation.
• Gingivectomy may be total or partial. More often, partial gingivectomy is performed, which involves excision of the gums in the area of ​​the periodontal pocket and its further processing. Gingivectomy is performed in the presence of periodontal pockets and gingival hypertrophy. The gum is excised to a depth of 3 mm, then the remaining part of the pocket is treated with curettage.
• Gingivotomy provides for the dissection of the gums, after which an open curettage is performed. After curettage, osteostimulating ( stimulating tissue repair) drugs. Gingivotomy is performed in the presence of single and narrow periodontal pockets.
• Flap operations. Flap operations are indicated for moderate and severe periodontitis. The purpose of patchwork operations is to eliminate the periodontal pocket, restore the connective tissue connection and resume bone growth. As a result of this operation, periodontal pockets are eliminated, and a tight fit of the epithelium to the neck of the teeth is ensured.
• Gingivoosteoplasty (restoration of gum tissue and bone tissue) is carried out with generalized periodontitis with a depth of periodontal pockets of 4–8 mm. This type of intervention is highly effective. After anesthesia, vertical incisions are made to the depth of the bone pockets. Next, subgingival dental deposits and granulation tissue are removed, after which gingivoosteoplasty is performed directly. Gingivoosteoplasty is performed using lyophilized ( dried) bone meal, which is injected into the bone pockets after they have been processed. Colapol can also be used, which is injected into the pockets, after which they are filled with an osteostimulating material.

Physiotherapy treatment can also be prescribed, which is an auxiliary method in the treatment of periodontitis. Physiotherapeutic methods help to reduce the duration of treatment, increase the effectiveness of treatment, and prevent relapses ( reappearances) and complications.

The most common physiotherapeutic methods used in the treatment of periodontitis are:

• electrophoresis- This is a therapeutic method designed to introduce drugs into the body using a weak electric current. In dental practice, electrophoresis with vitamins and medicinal substances is used ( calcium, fluorine). The main advantage of this method is that the necessary drugs are injected directly into the affected area.
• laser therapy. The use of laser radiation allows you to slow down the inflammatory process, accelerate the regeneration processes and anesthetize the affected areas. Often, laser therapy is prescribed after surgical interventions.
• Ozone therapy. With the help of ozone therapy, the destruction of most pathogenic microorganisms is possible. Also, the action of ozone stimulates tissue regeneration and normalization of blood circulation.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a method that is based on the use of oxygen under high pressure for therapeutic purposes. This method allows you to accelerate the processes of tissue regeneration, increases the effectiveness of other methods of treatment.
• Ultrasound Therapy. With the help of ultrasonic waves, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs can be administered. Ultrasound helps to reduce inflammation, improve blood circulation.
• Massage (hydromassage, vacuum massage, finger massage). Gum massage helps to accelerate metabolic processes in tissues, reduce swelling, strengthen gum tissue, and relieve pain. Systematically performed gum massage can be used as a means of preventing periodontal disease. It is recommended to do both finger massage of the gums when brushing your teeth with the help of therapeutic and prophylactic toothpastes, and massage with the help of special devices.

If necessary, orthopedic treatment is carried out, which consists in prosthetics, replacement of incorrectly installed orthopedic structures.

Tactics of treatment of mechanical damage to the gums
The choice of treatment tactics for mechanical damage to the gums depends on the type, cause, and mechanism of damage. The goal of the treatment of mechanical damage to the gums is to eliminate the effect of the traumatic factor, fight inflammation, and stimulate the regeneration of damaged tissues. It is also important to prevent complications.

Treatment of mechanical damage to the gums is carried out using the following methods:

• Treatment of the damaged area carried out with the help of antiseptics. Rinses with antiseptic solutions are also prescribed.
• Orthopedic treatment performed when the etiological factor is poor-quality dental prosthetics. In this case, repeated prosthetics are performed.
• Anti-inflammatory therapy is also of great importance, since mechanical damage is accompanied by an inflammatory lesion of the periodontium. Anti-inflammatory drugs can be administered orally or topically in the form of applications. The most commonly prescribed drugs are indomethacin, paracetamol, ketorolac.
• Antibacterial therapy can be prescribed for the prevention of purulent complications. As a rule, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed ( ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, penicillin, aztreonam).
• Surgery can be carried out to eliminate periodontal overload in case of dentoalveolar anomalies. In case of deep traumatic injuries, excision of necrotic tissues is performed, sutures are applied.
• Keratoplastic drugs (vitamin A, vitamin E, sea buckthorn oil) are prescribed to accelerate the regeneration processes in damaged areas of the gums.

In the future, patients should strictly observe oral hygiene in order to prevent complications and increase the effectiveness of the treatment. The key point in the treatment of mechanical damage to the gums is to eliminate the effect of the mechanical factor on the gums. This is necessary to prevent an increase in the intensity, depth and volume of damage, as well as possible complications.

Terms of treatment and prognosis of diseases accompanied by bleeding gums

The terms of treatment and prognosis depend on a large number of factors and are almost always determined individually.

The prognosis and timing of the treatment of the causes of bleeding gums depend on the following factors:

• the severity of the disease;
• disease phase ( exacerbation, remission);
• the presence of complications;
• general condition of the patient;
• state of reactivity of the organism;
• following the doctor's recommendations;
• timely visit to the doctor;
• patient's age;
• damage volume ( localized or generalized lesion).

The cure for uncomplicated gingivitis is 7-10 days. In the case of chronic gingivitis, treatment is longer. The key to a favorable prognosis is a timely visit to the doctor, compliance with oral hygiene. In patients with systemic diseases, the prognosis and timing of cure depend on the course of the underlying disease.

It is difficult to determine the period of cure for periodontal disease, since a complete cure is often not possible. With periodontal disease, treatment is considered effective if it was possible to stop the neurodystrophic process and tissue destruction.

With timely initiation of treatment, the prognosis for periodontitis is favorable. With generalized periodontitis, the healing time is longer. If the etiological factor is not eliminated, the prognosis is not favorable, as this leads to a chronic disease with frequent exacerbations.

The prognosis and terms of treatment of mechanical damage to the gums depend on the intensity of the damage. When the traumatic factor is eliminated and symptomatic therapy is carried out, a complete cure can occur. With the complete and timely elimination of the traumatic factor, the prognosis is favorable.

Prevention of pathologies that cause bleeding gums

Preventive measures can be aimed at preventing the development of gum pathologies or preventing complications.

Measures to prevent pathologies that cause bleeding gums are:

• preventive visit to the dentist;
• compliance with oral hygiene;
• use of dental floss;
• periodic replacement of the toothbrush;
• brushing your teeth at least twice a day;
• use of therapeutic and prophylactic toothpastes.

In addition to the above measures, doctors recommend the use of oral irrigators, which are devices that facilitate oral hygiene. These devices clean the interdental spaces and massage the gums at the same time.

Why does a child's gum bleed?

Bleeding gums in children is a common problem. In general, the causes of this symptom are similar in children and adults, but bleeding gums in children have their own characteristics. Bleeding gums in children are most often associated with hormonal changes in the child's body. Juvenile gingivitis is diagnosed in 40% of adolescents.

Common causes of bleeding gums in children are:

• Juvenile ( youthful) gingivitis. Juvenile gingivitis usually appears in adolescents. This disease is manifested by hypertrophy of the gum tissue and bleeding. Most often, juvenile gingivitis affects the marginal gingiva in the region of the anterior teeth, affecting the vestibular surface ( the surface of the teeth in contact with the lips and cheeks).
• Hypovitaminosis. Hypovitaminosis is especially dangerous for the child's body, since this pathological condition can lead to disruption of the processes of growth and development of the body, metabolic disorders. Bleeding gums are caused by a lack of vitamin C and vitamin K.
• Leukemia. With leukemia, the hematopoietic system is damaged, expressed by uncontrolled production of leukocytes. Pathological changes in the gums with leukemia are called leukemic gingivitis. With this pathology, the gums are hypertrophied, acquire a bluish or purple hue, become loose, ulcerated, bleed when touched or spontaneously.
• Coagulation disorder. In case of clotting disorder, which, as a rule, is a genetic disease, even the slightest mechanical damage to the gum tissue is accompanied by bleeding, which is profuse and does not stop for a long time.
• Teething. Teething in children is a painful process that can disrupt the general condition of the child. Bleeding during eruption appears due to the fact that the erupting tooth violates the integrity of the gums, which leads to its “rupture” in this place. Pain, swelling, redness of the gums, increased salivation and deterioration in general condition may appear long before the eruption. During teething, maintaining oral hygiene is very important and helps to prevent complications ( development of the inflammatory process).
• Poor oral hygiene. This reason is one of the main in the etiology of bleeding gums in children. Often this happens when children neglect the rules of oral hygiene, being unaware of its importance and the possible consequences of poor hygiene.
• Mechanical damage to the gums. This problem is especially common in young children who put foreign bodies in their mouths that injure the oral mucosa and create favorable conditions for the development and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.

Bleeding gums in children is accompanied by hyperemia ( redness) oral mucosa, swelling of the interdental papillae, pain when brushing teeth and eating.

To eliminate bleeding gums in children, it is recommended:

• follow the rules of oral hygiene;
• regularly visit the dentist semiannually);
• eat rationally;
• limit the use of sweets.

Why does the gum bleed during pregnancy?

Gum disease during pregnancy is quite common. In this regard, some doctors distinguish it as a separate form of gingivitis - pregnancy gingivitis. According to studies, this condition is diagnosed in almost 50% of pregnant women. Bleeding gums are especially common in the first trimester. The gums can bleed when you brush your teeth, apply pressure, and even touch the gums.

Bleeding gums during pregnancy is associated with hormonal changes in the body of a pregnant woman. Hormonal restructuring affects the stratified squamous epithelium of the gums, which becomes loose. The gum becomes more sensitive than usual and more susceptible to the action of microorganisms from dental deposits. At the same time, there is a decrease in pH ( increase in acidity) saliva, due to the vital activity of plaque microorganisms. The increase in acidity acts on tooth enamel, which becomes more susceptible to caries.

To strengthen the gum tissue, it is recommended to massage the gums with your fingers or a toothbrush. It is also recommended to use rinsing solutions. An infusion of chamomile or sage helps to relieve bleeding, having a calming and antiseptic effect.

Be aware that gum and dental disease can increase the risk of preterm birth. In this regard, pregnant women are advised to visit the dentist regularly ( every two months) for professional oral hygiene. When choosing toothbrushes, it is recommended to opt for soft brushes in order to avoid mechanical injury to the gums.

The main thing is to visit a doctor with gingivitis of pregnant women and observe oral hygiene. It helps in the treatment and prevention of complications. After childbirth, as a rule, inflammatory changes, accompanied by bleeding, disappear.

What to do at home with bleeding gums?

There are many ways to stop bleeding gums at home. The most common method is the use of traditional medicine. The main means of traditional medicine used at home are medicinal herbs and infusions.

Folk remedies used for bleeding gums at home are:

• Plantain infusion. Crushed plantain leaves ( 2 - 3 tablespoons) pour a glass of warm boiled water. The resulting composition must be filtered and cooled to room temperature. It is recommended to rinse the mouth with plantain infusion 2-3 times a day.
• Infusion of mountain arnica. A tablespoon of dried arnica flowers is poured with a glass of boiling water, covered with a lid and infused for 30-45 minutes. The infusion must be filtered through a cotton cloth and rinsed in the mouth 3-4 times a day.
• Infusion of primrose officinalis. A tablespoon of dry leaves of primrose officinalis is poured with a glass of boiling water, left under the lid for 30 minutes. The resulting infusion must be filtered. It is recommended to take 3 tbsp. spoons of infusion inside 2 - 3 times a day.
• Infusion of oak bark. To prepare this infusion, pour 2 tablespoons of crushed oak bark with a glass of hot water, cover and leave for 30 minutes. The resulting infusion must be filtered through a cotton cloth and rinsed with it in the mouth 2-3 times a day.
• Aloe leaf uses. Half of the cut leaf of aloe is applied to the affected gums several times a day. You can also use freshly squeezed aloe juice diluted in water to rinse your mouth.
• Rinse solution with salt and soda. To prepare the solution, add a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of warm water, and then mix well.
• Camomile tea. To prepare the infusion, it is necessary to pour boiling water over chamomile flowers, leave for 1 hour, strain, after which you can rinse your mouth with infusion.

All these plants and herbs have hemostatic ( hemostatic), anti-inflammatory and strengthening action. The advantage of using traditional methods of treatment for bleeding gums is the almost complete absence of side effects and contraindications. The only contraindication for the use of these methods may be individual intolerance to some components. If an allergic reaction occurs during the application of these methods, it is necessary to immediately stop using it. It must be remembered that folk methods can only serve as additional means in the treatment of gum disease, accompanied by bleeding. You should not count on a complete cure without visiting doctors who provide qualified medical care.

Why does the gum bleed after tooth extraction?

After tooth extraction, bleeding occurs, which is a consequence of rupture of the dental artery or periodontal and gum capillaries. Normally, such bleeding stops after 5 to 20 minutes. There are cases when the bleeding does not stop or, having stopped for a while, occurs again after a few hours or days. In this case, bleeding is called secondary.

The most common causes of gum bleeding after tooth extraction are:

• deep rupture of blood vessels;
• removal of a blood clot formed from the hole of the extracted tooth;
• development of the inflammatory process;
• increased blood pressure;
• vasodilation as a side effect of adrenaline.

Secondary bleeding may be associated with infection of the socket, damage to the vessels with an incompletely removed part of the tooth. Less commonly, bleeding occurs due to a clotting disorder in systemic diseases ( hemophilia, hemorrhagic vasculitis, etc.), in which case it is very long and difficult to stop.

Bleeding is stopped by tamponade of the hole with iodoform gauze turunda ( gauze swab), which close the hole after tooth extraction. If the bleeding is caused by tissue rupture, the edges of the gums are stitched together. Often, a hemostatic sponge is introduced into the well, which leads to the fact that the lumen of the bleeding vessels closes and a clot forms.

If the gum bleeds for a long time, you should immediately consult a doctor to identify the causes of its occurrence. Prolonged bleeding can create favorable conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.