Ovidius University of Constanța

Faculty of Dentistry

Gum bleeding

Scientific Coordinator

Prof.Lector. Cristina Popescu

Student:

Ilinca Georgiana-Lavinia

Constanța

2016
 Bleeding on probing which is also known as bleeding gums or gingival bleeding is a term
used by dentists and dental hygienists when referring to bleeding that is induced by gentle
manipulation of the tissue at the depth of the gingival sulcus, or interface between the gingiva
and a tooth. Bleeding on probing, is a sign of inflammation and indicates some sort of
destruction and erosion to the lining of the sulcus or the ulceration of sulcular epithelium. The
blood comes from lamina propria after the ulceration of the lining.

Causes

There are many possible causes of gingival bleeding. The main cause of gingival bleeding
is the formation and accumulation of plaque at the gum line due to improper brushing and
flossing of teeth. The hardened form of plaque is called tartar. An advanced form of gingivitis
as a result of formation of plaque is periodontitis. Other causes that can exacerbate gingival
bleeding include:

 placement of new dentures

 tooth or gum infection
 diabetes mellitus
 idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
 leukemia
 malnutrition
 use of aspirin and anticoagulants(blood thinners) such as warfarin and heparin
 hormonal imbalances during puberty and pregnancy
 iron overload

Other less common causes are:

 vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) and vitamin K deficiency

 dengue fever

Symptoms

Symptoms that may accompany bleeding gums include:

 • Halitosis (bad breath);

• The appearance of bright red or red-purple gums;

• Sensitivity gums;

• injuries or ulcers in the mouth;

• Retraction of gingival (gum recession);

• Swelling (swelling) of the gums.

Other symptoms:

• Pain or tenderness in the bones or joints;

• Bruising easily occur;

• Fever;

• Loss of appetite or weight loss;

• Irregular periods;

• Night sweats;

• epistaxis (nosebleed), or bleeding in the skin;

• Pallor;

• skin irritations and eczema;

• lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes) laterocervical (neck), armpit or groin;

• Weakness or fatigue.

Diagnosis

An examination by the dentist or dental hygienist should be sufficient to rule out the issues
such as malnutrition and puberty. Additional corresponding diagnosis tests to certain potential
disease may be required. This includes oral glucose tolerance test for diabetes mellitus, blood
studies, human gonadotrophin levels for pregnancy, and X-rays for teeth and jaw bones.

In order to determine the periodontal health of a patient, the dentist or dental hygienist
records the sulcular depths of the gingiva and observes any bleeding on probing. This is often
accomplished with the use of a periodontal probe. Alternatively, dental floss may also be used
to assess the Gingival bleeding index. It is used as an initial evaluation on patient's
periodontal health especially to measure gingivitis. The number of bleeding sites is used to
calculate the gingival bleeding score.

Treatment

Treatment can often include antibiotics to control infections. Effective treatment must start
from the first symptoms, because gingille can shrink, allowing the penetration of the
infenction at the base of the tooth. If there is pain, not recommended to use medication for
gum numbness. This solution is temporal and the disease will advance, causing more pain and
complications. What is most important is dealing with the case.

Bibliography

www.medlife.com