Bleeding gums happen when plaqueisinadequately removed from your teeth. Thisplaque attack the tissue that surrounds the teeth and causes inflammation and irritation. As a result, your teeth start bleeding when you floss or brush.

It is the first stage of gum disease, and there are many things that cause it. In most cases, Gingivitis or bleeding gums, is painless, and this is the only symptom that occurs. In some cases, other symptoms are: red, tender, or swollen gums, bad breath, loose teeth, and changes in teeth feel when the person bites.

Regardless, you need to treat bleeding gums as soon as you notice the symptoms. Here is what causes this in your mouth:

Plaque Buildup

If you don’t remove plaque from your teeth, it will eventually cause damage to them. When the gums start to recede and separate from the tooth, pockets can form between the two. In these pockets, germs find their home.

These germs will attack the bone and gums that support the teeth. If not treated, Gingivitis can progress into Periodontitis, which eventually results in tooth loss and damaged overall health.

OverallEffects on Your Health

Bleeding gums are closely linked to some serious health conditions that include diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and cancer. The condition puts people over 65 at the highest risk, as well as those who live a stressful life or take prescription medications regularly, such as anti-depressants, oral contraceptives, and some heart medications.

Other risk factors that cause plaque buildup and with it, bleeding gums, are poor nutrition, poor oral hygiene, irregular dentist checkups, grinding teeth, clenching teeth, and tobacco use.

In the case of bleeding gums, it is better to treat it early than later. The sooner you visit the dentist’s office and start treatment, the faster you can get rid of bleeding gums.