Bleeding gums is among the common conditions affecting the oral cavity. The Chinese might have noticed bleeding gums as early as 2500 BC. They termed the associated diseases as "Ya-Kon" which means diseases of soft tissue surrounding the teeth. This problem still continues to affect us even with so many modern facilities available in the field of oral care.

Long standing inflammation of gums: Poor maintenance of the teeth, such as inadequate brushing or failure to rinse the mouth after meals results in a thin layer of food and bacteria covering the tooth surface. This bacterium is the chief culprit behind the inflammation. The gums during the stage of infection become soft, spongy and swollen.

Trauma to the gums by hard brushing or tooth picking with sharp objects result in bleeding gums.

Bleeding can also be due to injury of the gums by any sharp food item e.g., fish bone.

Hot food and chemicals can end up burning the gums, further resulting in bleeding. For e.g. some people still follow the practice of placing pain relieving tablets on the gum adjacent to the painful tooth, which invariably causes burns.

Certain rapidly spreading infections can damage the blood vessels of the gums resulting in bleeding - eg. ANUG

Deficiency of vitamin C and vitamin K can cause bleeding in the gums.

Failure in blood clotting mechanism.

Pregnancy.

If long standing inflammation is the cause of bleeding then removal of the source of bacteria will result in improvement of the situation. Proper maintenance of the teeth by the patient is a must.

For vitamin deficiency, proper diet or vitamin supplements are recommended.

Sore and bleeding gums can be aggravated by citrus fruits and juices, rough or spicy food, alcohol, and tobacco. Take vitamin C supplements, if citrus fruits and juices cannot be taken.

If dentures (artificial teeth) make gums bleed, wear them only during meals.

Gum bleeding can be controlled by applying pressure with a gauze pad soaked in ice water directly to the bleeding gums.

Brush teeth gently (with a soft-bristle toothbrush) after every meal. The dentist may recommend rinsing with salt water or hydrogen peroxide and water. Avoid using commercial, alcohol-containing mouthwashes, which aggravate the problem.

Whom should I consult if I have the problem of bleeding gums ?
You have to go to a dentist.