Many toddlers, children, and adults experience bleeding gums at some point, which can be concerning for their oral health. It is especially worrisome to see blood coming from your child’s gums. While adults commonly deal with bleeding gums, if it occurs consistently during brushing or flossing, it may indicate gingivitis, an early stage of periodontitis. Gingivitis can cause the gums to bleed easily and should be addressed promptly by pediatric dentists to ensure proper dental care.
However, gum infection and plaque buildups along the gum lines are some of the common causes of bleeding gums in children. This is why it’s important that you encourage your children to practice good oral hygiene.
Too much accumulation of plaque on your child’s teeth, especially along the gum line, can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis. This can result in inflammation and infection of the periodontal tissues. Inflamed and infected gums can easily progress into more advanced periodontal disease, affecting the gum tissues and jawbones. Health problems like leukemia can also contribute to consistent gums bleeding. It is important to prioritize dental hygiene to prevent these issues.
According to the American Dental Association, (1) there are many possible factors that can be behind the bleeding. In order to stop your child’s gums from bleeding, it’s necessary that you take your child to the dentist first. Proper dental examination can be helpful for faster successful treatment. In this article we’ll look at those things that can cause bleeding gums in children. If you have any questions or suggestions you can let me know by using the comments box.
Causes of bleeding gums in children
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Medications : certain medications have tendency to have bleeding gums as side effect. This type of medications causes the gums to be inflamed and become highly sensitive and susceptible to bleeding. If your child started having bleeding gums after taking new medications, then the problem might be from there. It’s always advisable to call your child’s doctor and let him know about the side effects.
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Vigorous brushing : toothbrush with strong bristles can make your child’s gums to bleed. If your child usually have bleeding gums after brushing. You can assist her with brushing until she is old enough to brush properly. Vigorous brushing can cause injuries on the gum tissue and lead to bleeding. You should encourage your child to brush gently. Also, always check your child’s toothbrush bristles to see how firm they are. If they are too strong, then there will be need to get new soft-bristled toothbrush for your child.
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New flossing routine : most children experience bleeding gums after starting a new flossing routine. It’s so common to experience bleeding if you just started flossing for the first time. New flossing routine can make the gums to be highly sensitive and easily irritated. If your child’s bleeding gums is as a result of flossing, then there will be no need to panic. The bleeding usually stops after 2 – 3 days.
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Gum disease : if you notice that your child’s gums usually bleed easily even without brushing, then it might be a sign of gum disease. Gingivitis can cause bleeding gums in children and it can cause more serious problems when overlooked. Red, swollen and tender gums indicates gum disease known as periodontal disease. This disease is commonly caused by excessive plaque buildups and bacteria accumulation. You should ensure that your child gets checked if you notice that her gums bleeds easily. Other signs like redness and swelling are signs of non-healthy gums.
Nutritional deficiency can lead to gingivitis and other dental problems in toddlers. When a child does not receive enough minerals and vitamins, their gums may bleed and their teeth and bones may become weaker. Vitamins are important for tissue repair and protecting teeth and bones. It’s crucial to ensure that your toddler eats a balanced diet to prevent these issues. Don’t just give them anything; prioritize their oral health. Additionally, the tooth fairy can play a role in motivating good oral hygiene habits.
Signs of bleeding gums in children
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Gum tenderness
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Mouth sores or ulcers
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Bad breath
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Gums recession
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Swollen gums
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Red gums
Finally, bleeding gums in children should never be ignored. Some of the things I listed in this article might be responsible for your child’s bleeding gums. You can learn more about the causes of bleeding gums here . Even if your children practice good oral hygiene at home, it’s always important that they are checked regularly by a dentist. Early detection is necessary for certain conditions such as gingivitis which can develop into more serious gum disease.
Richard Smith is a Registered Nutritionist and also a Health Speaker. Richard Smith graduated from The City University of New York. You can learn more about him by Visiting His LinkedIn Page or Follow him on Twitter.
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