Bleeding gums due to deficiency
causes
Vitamin C deficiency
There are studies that show that there is a connection between the vitamin C levels of the patients examined and the severity of the gingivitis. The lower the level of vitamin C in the blood plasma, the more severe the symptom of bleeding gums.
Vitamin C has an important role in building the blood vessel walls. It promotes collagen production. These collagens are important for building blood vessel walls. In the absence of this collagen, the walls are unstable and less rigid, making it easy to bleed.In addition, this collagen production is beneficial for healthy skin, including a healthy oral mucosa. If the gums are not intact, the gums bleed more quickly.
Overall, however, in our society today, it can be assumed that the body contains enough vitamin C in the blood. Thus, a vitamin C deficiency is rarely the only reason for bleeding gums, as the bleeding only occurs when the vitamin C content is very low. One would have to eat completely vitamin C free for a very long time in order to lower the blood plasma level of vitamin in such a way. But even through an unhealthy diet with sweetened juices or ketchup, you get vitamin C. The disease scurvy, which is caused by a vitamin C deficiency, also leads to bleeding gums. However, this disease no longer plays a role in our society, so there is no need to worry if bleeding gums occur.
Another task of vitamin C is the general defense against viruses and bacteria. It strengthens the immune system and stimulates the production of lymphocytes, which play an important role in fighting pathogens. So when vitamin C is lacking, gum inflammation is more likely to develop, causing bleeding.
Read more on the topic: vitamin C
Vitamin D deficiency
A lack of vitamin D has no direct influence on bleeding gums. However, the vitamin affects the production of so-called Defensins and other antimicrobial substances in a positive sense. These small molecules attach themselves to the surface of the lining of the mouth and fight bacteria. Especially those that cause gingivitis. Vitamin D has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces the risk of bleeding gums.
Read more on the topic: Vitamin D deficiency
Through malnutrition
Improper nutrition causes the body to lack important substances such as the vitamins mentioned above. As a result, the immune system is too weak to take action against invading pathogens.
In addition to vitamins C and D, omega-3 fatty acids are important against inflammation. If the inflammation is combated, the risk of bleeding gums is reduced.
Other causes
The most common reasons for bleeding gums to develop include inflammatory processes in the periodontium (periodontitis). In addition, stress, fluctuations in hormonal balance and traumatic events can lead to bleeding gums.
Taking various medicines can also damage the gums and provoke bleeding. The drugs relevant in this context include anti-epileptic drugs (around half of patients are affected while taking them), immunosuppressants (especially ciclospoprin A), antihypertensive drugs, such as Nifedipine and Verapamil, and hormonal contraceptives.
Other classic triggers of bleeding gums are metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and infections with herpes, Epstein-Barr or cytomegalovirus.
Bleeding gums can also be triggered by a significant lack of iron. A deficiency alone leads to bleeding gums in the rarest cases in Europe these days. Patients suffering from anorexia take a separate position, as in most cases they suffer from a pronounced deficiency in proteins, vitamins, minerals and, above all, iron.
Long-lasting stress is also a cause of inflammation of the gums and bleeding. Due to the increased release of the tissue hormone cortisol in times of stress, the immune system is further weakened and the gums are more susceptible to attack by pathogens, which leads to inflammation and thus also to Bleeding gums.
Inflammation causes bleeding gums
The majority of affected patients notice bleeding of the gums from reddish deposits on food or bloody toothpaste foam after brushing their teeth.
The bleeding gums itself is not a disease in its own right. Rather, it is a symptom of a multitude of inflammatory diseases within the oral cavity. As part of the so-called tooth support apparatus (Periodontium) the gums are essential for the chewing process.
Histologically, it consists of several superimposed cell layers. The top layer of the gums in particular has flat, irregularly shaped cells and cannot be reproduced by the organism. If this cell layer is damaged by rough contact, for example, the gums bleed.
Bleeding gums due to poor oral hygiene
In many cases the bleeding gums are an indication of improper oral hygiene. It is precisely in those places that the bristles of the toothbrush can only reach with difficulty or not at all, where food remains are deposited and serve as a breeding ground for bacterial pathogens. In the long run, this leads to inflammation of the gums (Gingivitis) and the development of bleeding gums. In addition to poor oral hygiene, there are a number of other causes that can trigger bleeding gums.
You can find tips for optimal oral hygiene in our article Oral hygiene.
