Often the cause of persistent bleeding is gingivitis – a form of gum disease caused by the build-up of plaque and tartar. This problem, if caught early, is easily reversible by visiting the dentist and taking better care of your oral health. Nevertheless, if gingivitis is left untreated it can develop into periodontal gum disease which is a much more severe form of gum disease that can eventually lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease is not the only explanation for bleeding gums however and it is important to rule out other possible causes. Other causes include lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress, poor diet and poor oral hygiene, canker sores and mouth ulcers, crooked, rough and sharp teeth, hormonal changes – women can be more prone to bleeding gums during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause due to hormonal fluctuations, cancers such as leukaemia cause bleeding throughout the body but in this case bleeding would be accompanied by other symptoms, chemotherapy treatment can cause inflammation of the gums which can lead to bleeding, and other less common causes include uncontrolled diabetes, drug side effects, vitamin C deficiency and haemophilia.

The list of possible causes for bleeding gums is extensive – some more common and some more serious than others – but regardless of the cause of your problem the further implications it can have on your health are of great concern. Bleeding gums are linked and can lead to much more serious conditions such as strokes, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It sounds far-fetched but these severe health problems are a very real possibility.

When you think about what the problem signifies – blood reaching the surface of your gums – it follows that harmful bacteria in your mouth can enter your bloodstream at the same points where the blood exits. The mouth is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria – hence the reason an effective oral hygiene routine is so important – and when they enter your bloodstream they can bond with platelets in your blood and this can eventually lead to blood clots. These blood clots can lead to heart attacks and strokes as well as digestive system disorders, respiratory dysfunction, diabetes and pancreatic cancer.

In most cases there are many ways in which you can prevent the onset of bleeding gums. Ways to prevent the problem or control it if the problem is already there include:

• Maintaining an effective oral hygiene routine
• Eating a well balanced diet
• Drinking plenty of water
• Stopping smoking
• Relaxation techniques

These prevention methods can help to keep the problem at bay and in the case of gingivitis following these rules can sometimes be enough to reverse the problem and restore your oral health before it gets out of control.

No matter what the cause of your bleeding gums it is important that you take control of the situation at once. A trip to the dentist can often identify the problem quickly and easily. Nonetheless, no matter what stage your problem has reached – maybe it is more severe than a simple change in your oral hygiene routine – the one certainty is that the problem will only progress and so putting a stop to it now will be the simplest and safest option for the sake of your health.

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The Harley Street Dental Studio has a vast range of services to enhance your smile. For more information on any aspect of cosmetic dentistry contact us on 020 7636 5981.