Common Causes Of Sore Gums

Vitamin K Deficiency

Vitamin K helps the blood in the body form clots, and a vitamin K deficiency may lead to bleeding gums, nosebleeds, easy bruising, blood in the urine or stool, and heavy menstrual periods. Patients with this deficiency may also have internal bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. To diagnose a vitamin deficiency, doctors will do special blood tests that check clotting time. Patients who are identified as having a deficiency in vitamin K will be given either oral vitamin K tablets or injections to bring levels back within the normal range. If the vitamin deficiency is caused by a chronic condition, patients may need to take vitamin K supplements for their entire lives. Patients should use an electric toothbrush and brush very gently to ease the sore and bleeding gums that may occur. Flossing should be done with a water pick, and patients may wish to receive more frequent professional dental cleanings. Patients should inform their dentist they have a vitamin K deficiency before undergoing any cleanings or examinations. Doctors may prescribe additional medications to help patients manage the bleeding caused by this condition.

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Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection of the gums, typically due to plaque. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and jaw damage. Patients should see their dentist for routine checkups and cleanings to prevent this. Dentists will check the health of the patient's gums at every visit, and they will also check whether there are any pockets between the gums and the teeth that may form and accumulate plaque. Early signs of periodontitis include swelling, redness, and pain in the gums. Dentists may recommend more frequent professional cleanings for patients exhibiting these signs, and the use of special toothbrushes, as well as prescription toothpaste and mouthwash, can help patients reverse early damage and prevent the progression of periodontitis. Patients may need to be seen by a periodontist (gum specialist), and severe cases of the condition may need to be corrected with oral surgery.

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