Fifty-three percent of the U.S. population over age 20 have bleeding gums—a condition called “gingivitis.” Yet very few people actually understand why their gums bleed.
Although there are several potential reasons why gums may bleed, the most common reason for gingivitis is bacteria. Many different species of bacteria live in our mouths. This is actually part of a healthy body “ecosystem,” when the ecosystem is kept in balance. Many of these bacteria live on and around the teeth and when these bacteria die, they accumulate in a sticky film called “plaque.” The system gets out of balance when this plaque is allowed to accumulate for too long. If you have ever neglected to brush your teeth after a day or two you probably noticed that your teeth do not feel as slick and smooth as they do after a thorough brushing or a professional cleaning at the dentist. That “mossy” feeling on your teeth is a layer of plaque building up on the teeth; layers upon layers of dead bacteria accumulating on themselves. Plaque is typically white to yellow in color and can be easily wiped or scraped off the tooth surface with your fingernail, or of course a toothbrush!
Plaque is not something you want on your teeth, but how does this bacterial plaque cause your gums to bleed? The plaque that accumulates along the gum line is an irritant to the gums.
When you get a scrape on your knee or a cut on your hand, there are bacteria introduced under the skin; this bacterial irritation causes swelling and redness in the area of the wound. Swelling and redness is caused by an increase in blood flow to the wound site. Special cells carried in the bloodstream to the wound help “flush” the area of dead bacteria and fight the bacteria that are still alive. The same process happens in your mouth; the gums get red and swollen just like the skin in the area of a scrape or cut. The increased blood flow to the gums help fight the insult of bacteria growing out of control on and underneath the gums. Thus, chronic irritation of the gums due to accumulation of bacterial plaque causes them to bleed.
Fortunately, the bleeding of the gums and the associated soreness/tenderness stops within days of removing the plaque. (With good brushing and flossing technique). The gum tissue is the body’s natural barrier to bacteria entering the body via the mouth, just like the skin does outside your mouth. Long-term gingivitis can lead to a breakdown of this gum tissue “barrier,” allowing bacteria to destroy the bone beneath the gums and around the roots of your teeth. This breakdown of the bone and gum tissue is called “periodontal disease.” It causes bad breath, spaces between teeth, unsightly and unhealthy looking gums, and eventual loosening or loss of teeth.
If your gums bleed, it’s most likely related to bacterial plaque in your mouth. Have one of our hygienists answer questions about your particular situation at your next hygiene visit.