Toochache with Bleeding Gums

If you suffer from toothache with bleeding gums, the chances are that it could be the first sign of gingivitis, which is the inflammation, swelling, and bleeding of gum tissues. The primary cause of gingivitis is the bacteria that coats your teeth, and if oral hygiene is poor, it forms a sticky white substance called plaque. The bacteria here proliferates faster and produces toxins that irritates and leads to toothache with bleeding gums. If they are left untreated, they will destroy the tissues connecting the gums to the tooth, and eventually the tooth to the bones, causing a deep pocket and eventually attacks the bony structure. Whilst gingivitis is the medical term for gum infection; the actual medical term for bleeding gums is pyorrhoea. Healthy gums are pink and firm and do not bleed easily. In toothache with bleeding gums, 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.

Other causes of toothache with bleeding gums include: pregnancy, blood-thinning medications and lack of vitamin C. Also, an infection around the root of the tooth can often lead to toothache with bleeding gums. Perversely, toothache and bleeding gums are usually only related in that they both occur in the mouth. They have, generally speaking, very different causes. The classic toothache is almost always caused by nerve pain due to an exposed nerve root, and more often than not can be repaired. Gum disease on the other hand is more serious, generally more chronic, and not readily responsive to ‘quick fixes.’ Consequently toothache with bleeding gums is not something to be taken lightly. As with most things, prevention is the best approach to this disease. Very hot or very cold foods or beverages should be avoided. Also, steer clear of hard to bite foods such as raw carrots or apples.