Healthy gums 
are pink and firm and do not bleed
easily. Occasionally gum bleeding occurs if you brush your teeth and gums too
hard with a hard-bristled toothbrush or snap dental floss hard against your
gums. Using a soft-bristled tooth brush and flossing carefully can prevent the
problem.
Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis ) causes red, swollen gums
that bleed easily when brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain,
many people delay treatment. If not treated, gum disease can cause more serious
problems with the gum tissue.
As gum disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth, leaving
deep pockets where
plaque can hide and cause further damage. This stage
of gum disease is called periodontitis or
periodontal disease and is caused by an infection of
the gums, bone, and other tissues that surround and support the teeth.
Periodontitis can progress until it causes damage to the bones that support the
teeth. In this late stage, teeth may become loose and fall out or need to be
removed. It is important to treat gum disease early because it gets harder to
treat as it becomes more severe.
Other causes of gum bleeding, swelling, and pain include:
- Pregnancy, blood-thinning medications, or
bleeding disorders; each can cause gums to bleed easily.
- Lack of
vitamins, such as vitamin K or vitamin C, or medical
problems, such as
anemia, that interfere with the body's ability to
absorb certain vitamins.
- Teething in
babies and young children.
- Dentures or a dental appliance that
irritates the gums.
- A "gum boil" or infection around the root of
the tooth. Swelling and redness, sometimes with pus, may appear at the base of
a tooth.
- Diseases of the blood cells, such as
leukemia. This is rare.
Many medications can cause gum problems. If you suspect a medication
is the cause of your gum problem, call the health professional who prescribed
the medication to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a
different one. An appointment may not be necessary. If you are taking a
nonprescription medication, stop taking it. Call your health professional if
you feel you need to continue the medication.
