Guide To The Causes Of Bleeding Gums

Vitamin Deficiencies

a woman looking happily at a carrot in her hand. Photo Credit: HuffingtonPostAU @Huffz

In addition to underlying diseases and improper brushing habits, bleeding gums can also be caused by certain vitamin deficiencies, which are typically treated using vitamin supplements or diet adjustments. Vitamin C is one of the most important vitamins in the body. It helps boost the immune system, heal wounds, strengthen bones, strengthen teeth, and help with overall tissue growth and repair. A vitamin C deficiency can cause an individual's body to feel weak. Affected individuals might experience unusual irritability and fatigue. If the deficiency persists over time, it can lead to bleeding and swollen gums. In rare cases, severe vitamin C shortages can cause scurvy, which causes weakness, anemia, and bleeding beneath the skin. One of the hallmark signs of scurvy is bleeding in the gums. A lack of vitamin K, the vitamin necessary for clotting, can also contribute to bleeding gums. It also helps strengthen bones. Individuals who don't have enough vitamin K in their diet or who struggle to absorb vitamin K may experience bleeding problems because they can't clot as well.

Leukemia

Leukemia. Photo Credit: FindATopDoc @Docz

Leukemia occurs when the tissues in the body that form blood become cancerous. This kind of cancer can be found in the bone marrow and lymphatic system. Some leukemia types are very common in children, while others are more likely to occur in adults. The white blood cells are most noticeably affected by leukemia. Bone marrow is responsible for creating white blood cells, which fight infection and strengthen the immune system. But infected bone marrow produces nonfunctional white blood cells that multiply cancerously. Leukemia can cause the gums to bleed due to issues with clotting. When this is the case, individuals will also tend to find themselves bleeding abnormally from minor abrasions and bruising more easily. Bruises form when small blood vessels become damaged, causing blood to leak underneath the skin. Strange bleeding is a reason to see a doctor to rule out serious issues.

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