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Why Did Blood Come Out From A Teeth?

Noticing blood suddenly emerge from your teeth or gums can be alarming. However, some bleeding from the gums is quite common and usually not indicative of a major problem. There are a number of potential reasons why someone might see blood when brushing, flossing, eating, or spit out blood from their mouth. Identifying the specific cause and origin of the blood is important in determining the appropriate treatment.

Where does the blood originate?

Pinpointing where blood is coming from in the mouth is helpful to diagnose the issue. Potential sources include:

Gums: The gums or gingiva surround the base of the teeth. Bleeding from the gums is often related to gingivitis or gum disease. However, gum irritation, canker sores, trauma, or hormonal shifts can also cause localized bleeding in the gums.

Between teeth: Blood originating between teeth likely indicates inflammation or gaps between the teeth where food debris and plaque build up. Flossing typically dislodges this blood.

Roof of mouth: The palate has a rich blood supply. Ulcers, irritation from dentures, canker sores or trauma can lead to palate bleeding.

Tongue: The tongue’s surface often bleeds readily when irritated. Cuts, bites, abrasions from sharp foods or oral piercings can cause tongue bleeding.

Lips: Cracked, chapped or irritated lips often bleed a bit with motion. Lip piercings can also bleed.

Throat: Strep throat, tonsillitis, throat ulcers or irritation from intubation can provoke throat bleeding.

Pay attention to where in the mouth blood originates as it provides insight into the possible cause. Bleeding from multiple areas likely indicates a systemic issue.

Causes of Blood from Teeth

There are a range of possible reasons someone may spit out blood or notice blood on their toothbrush. The most common include:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis refers to inflammation of the gums from a bacterial infection. It develops when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on teeth, especially near the gumline. The plaque causes infection and swelling.

In early stages, gingivitis causes:

Gums that are red, puffy and bleed easily

Bad breath

Gums that are tender and irritated

As gingivitis worsens, gums can become extremely inflamed and bleed readily with normal brushing. untreated, it can progress to advanced gum disease.

Treatments for gingivitis:

Improve oral hygiene – gentle flossing, brushing

Professional cleaning to remove plaque below gumline

Antimicrobial mouthwashes to reduce infection

Address habits like smoking that worsen gum disease

Periodontitis

Periodontitis refers to inflammation of both the gums and deeper structures that support the teeth, like the periodontal ligament and jawbone. It represents advanced stages of gum disease.

Periodontitis arises when:

Plaque spreads deep below the gumline

The immune system launches a damaging inflammatory reaction

Gums detach from the teeth, forming infected pockets

Jawbone and tissues break down

Common symptoms include bleeding with brushing, sore gums, bad breath, painful chewing, loose teeth and receding gums.

Treatments for periodontitis:

Deep cleaning below the gumline

Antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses

Flap surgery to clean tooth roots

Bone grafts in cases of bone loss

Tooth removal if beyond saving

Vitamin deficiency

Low levels of vitamins that help maintain healthy gums and assist with proper blood clotting can make the gums prone to bleeding. Vitamin C deficiency makes gums weak. Vitamin K deficiency impairs the blood’s ability to clot.

Treatments for vitamin deficiencies:

Increase vitamin C intake – citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries

Eat more vitamin K foods – green leafy vegetables, dairy, eggs

Take supplements to restore normal vitamin levels

Blood clotting disorders

Disorders that affect the blood’s ability to form clots normally, such as hemophilia or von Willebrand disease, can cause increased bleeding even from minor gum irritation. Those with clotting disorders often have excessive bleeding from small cuts and wounds.

Treatments for blood clotting disorders:

See a hematologist for diagnosis and treatment

Use tranexamic acid rinses to promote clotting before procedures

Get genetic testing for inherited disorders

Drug effects

Some medications make people more prone to gum bleeding by affecting platelet function or clotting ability. These include:

Blood thinners like warfarin, heparin and clopidogrel

Anti-inflammatory drugs – aspirin, ibuprofen

SSRIs for depression

Some supplements like fish oil and turmeric

Managing drug effects:

Scale back brushing if prolonged bleeding

Use waxed floss that slides through tight contacts

Apply pressure with gauze until bleeding stops

Monitor bleeding and report to doctor

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can inflame the gums and make them more likely to bleed, even with gentle brushing. Pregnancy gingivitis affects up to 70% of pregnant women due to increased progesterone and estrogen.

Treatments during pregnancy:

Maintain oral hygiene routine

Get professional cleanings

Use pregnancy-safe antimicrobial rinses

Report bleeding to obstetrician

Puberty

Puberty also causes shifts in hormones that can increase gum sensitivity and susceptibility to bleeding. Teens may experience gingivitis symptoms even with good oral hygiene.

Treatments for teens:

Brush and floss gently

See a dentist regularly

Rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash

Cancers

Oral cancers, leukemia, and other blood cancers can manifest with gum bleeding, oral lesions and excessive bruising. Bleeding may be severe.

Treatments for cancers:

Treating the underlying cancer – chemo, radiation, bone marrow transplant

Managing oral infections

Avoiding unnecessary dental work

Injury

Any trauma to the gums and mouth tissues can cause localized bleeding at the site of injury. Common sources include:

Vigorous brushing with a stiff brush

Flossing too aggressively and cutting the gum

Eating crunchy, sharp foods that poke the gums

Dental procedures like tooth extraction

Bleeding from injury is typically mild and subsides quickly once the irritation is removed. Rinsing and applying pressure helps stop the bleeding.

Occasional minor bleeding of the gums, such as when flossing or eating spicy foods, is not uncommon. However, some signs warrant prompt dental evaluation, including:

Bleeding that lasts longer than 10-15 minutes

Frequent bleeding with daily oral hygiene

Bleeding along with loose teeth or toothaches

Heavy bleeding that is difficult to stop

Large blood clots when bleeding

Foul taste from blood

See a dentist right away if gum bleeding is accompanied by:

Severe tooth or jaw pain

Persistent sores or lesions

Swelling in the gums or face

Feeling ill or feverish

These may be signs of a dental abscess, oral cancer or other condition requiring urgent treatment.

(03/11/2024)
by CDHP Dental Health

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