Bleeding Gums

If one discrete area of bleeding is recognized, consider an infection, trauma, or tooth abscess.  

• An abscess is usually tender to the touch, and will require antibiotics and possibly tooth extraction with drainage.  

• If the gums are bleeding throughout the gum-line, consider scurvy or gingivitis.  

• Scurvy, due to lack of vitamin C, can be corrected with supplemental vitamin C in the form of pills or use of citrus fruit.  Patients with scurvy may also have easy bruising and brittle hair.  

• Gingivitis, when severe, may require antibiotics.  The gum-line usually has a “mushy” appearance to it.  The mainstay of treatment for mild to moderate cases involves dental hygiene: 

  • Brushing with a soft toothbrush three times a day

  • Use of a hydrogen peroxide-containing toothpaste.  

• If the patient with bleeding gums has a history of bleeding in the family and/or symptoms such as heavy periods, then a platelet disorder such as Von Willebrand’s disease should be considered.

This section provided by LT Nathaniel Ruttig, MC, USNR, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth

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*This web version is provided by The Brookside Associates, LLC.  It contains original contents from the official US Navy NAVMED P-5139, but has been reformatted for web access and includes advertising and links that were not present in the original version. The medical information presented was reviewed and felt to be accurate in 2001. Medical knowledge and practice methods may have changed since that time. Some links may no longer be active. This web version has not been approved by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense. The presence of any advertising on these pages does not constitute an endorsement of that product or service by either the US Department of Defense or the Brookside Associates. The Brookside Associates is a private organization, not affiliated with the United States Department of Defense.

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