What Diseases Could Cause My Gums to Bleed?

Diseases That Could Cause Gums to Bleed

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Bleeding gums can be a symptom of various diseases, primarily related to periodontal health. Conditions such as periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, gingivitis, and prediabetes-associated periodontal disease are common culprits. Effective management often involves antimicrobial treatments, herbal formulations, dietary supplements, and good oral hygiene practices.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a severe gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. It is primarily caused by bacterial deposits that initiate an inflammatory response, leading to bleeding gums and loss of alveolar bone. Key bacterial species involved include Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia1. The progression of periodontitis can be managed with systemic antimicrobial agents like moxifloxacin, which has shown clinical superiority in reducing bacterial load and inflammation1.

Chronic Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is a long-term inflammatory disease of the oral cavity, often caused by Streptococcus mutans. It leads to the destruction of tooth-supporting tissues and is characterized by symptoms such as bleeding on probing (BOP), increased pocket depth, and plaque accumulation. Treatments like Scrophularia striata mouthwash have been shown to improve these symptoms significantly2.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease, caused by oral bacteria that lead to inflammation of the gums. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding, especially during brushing or flossing. Herbal treatments, such as mucoadhesive tablets containing Sage, Echinacea, Lavender, and Mastic gum, have been effective in reducing gingival inflammation and bleeding7.

Prediabetes-Associated Periodontal Disease

Individuals with prediabetes often experience more severe periodontal inflammation and bleeding gums compared to those without prediabetes. This condition is exacerbated by poor socioeconomic status and lower education levels, which are associated with worse oral health outcomes8.

Ligature-Induced Periodontitis

This form of periodontitis is experimentally induced in animal models to study the effects of various treatments. For instance, a botanical composition (UP446) containing bioflavonoids has shown significant reductions in gingivitis, pocket depth, and gum bleeding in beagle dogs4.

Omega-3 Deficiency-Related Periodontitis

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of periodontitis. Supplementation with these PUFAs has been shown to reduce bleeding on probing and improve clinical attachment levels in patients with severe periodontitis5.

Caries and Gingivitis

Magnolia bark extract (MBE) administered through sugar-free chewing gum has been found to reduce plaque acidogenicity, salivary mutans streptococci concentration, and gingival bleeding. This suggests that MBE can be beneficial in managing both caries and gingivitis6.

Green Tea Extracts

Green tea extracts have antibacterial properties that can inhibit the growth of various bacterial species responsible for oral infections. Chewing gum containing green tea extracts has been shown to significantly reduce sulcus bleeding index (SBI) and approximal plaque index (API), indicating its effectiveness in controlling gingival inflammation10.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.