Gum Problems (cont.)
Causes of Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums: Canker Sores
Common culprits behind painful gums are canker sores, or mouth ulcers. These painful sores can
develop anywhere inside the mouth, including on the gums, and they often have a
whitish center with red around the edges. You may experience one canker sore at
a time, making only one area on your gums sore, or you may have multiple sores
at the same time throughout your mouth.
While researchers don't know exactly what causes canker sores, and they're
not contagious, there may be bacterial or viral involvement. People with
certain autoimmune diseases may also be more likely to suffer gum problems
caused by canker sores. Canker sores often recur over time.
Causes of Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums: Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can have a number of unpleasant side effects, including
painful, swollen, and bleeding gums. Many people undergoing treatment for cancer suffer from stomatitis, which causes the
development of painful sores and ulcers on the gums and throughout the
mouth.
Causes of Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums: Tobacco Products
Using cigarettes and other tobacco products can be extremely damaging to
your gums, and people who smoke are far more likely to develop gum disease. You
may find that your smoking habit gives you a number
of gum problems from sensitive gums that bleed to painful sores.
Causes of Sore, Swollen, and Bleeding Gums: Hormonal Changes
Some women find that they experience gum problems during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. The
increase in hormones during puberty can heighten blood flow to the gums, making
them red, swollen, and sensitive. For women with menstrual gingivitis, the gums
become red, swollen, and more likely to bleed shortly before each menstrual
period. These problems typically subside after the period begins. Pregnancy
gingivitis typically starts in the second or third month of pregnancy and
continues through the eighth month, causing sore, swollen, and bleeding gums.
The use of oral birth control products may
cause similar gum problems. Though uncommon, some women going through menopause
may find that their gums become extremely dry and therefore sore and likely to
bleed.
Next: 7 tips to prevent sore, swollen, and bleeding gums »
- Chemotherapy - Explains chemotherapy, a drug treatment to kill cancer cells. Article includes descriptions, uses, and side effects, and care support.
- Stress - Read about stress symptoms, signs, causes and treatment. Get information on stress management tips, the effects on the body and stress types (teen, job, PTSD).
- Dentures - Get information about complete and partial dentures, costs, problems, types of denture adhesive, and how dentures are made. Plus, get tips on getting used to dentures.
Latest Medical News
Oral Health RSS