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What Causes Gum Bleeding While Having Persistent Heartburn?

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Posted on Fri, 20 Nov 2015
Question: I've had pretty bad heart burn off and on for the last four years. A couple years ago, it got so bad that my doctor had me go on prescription acid reducer pills for a month. Since then, the heartburn has been pretty under control.

I'm 28 years old. I used to drink alcohol heavily during college. I chew tobacco on rare occasions. I'd say 6 times a year.

Currently, I have the slightest difficulty swallowing. I've had it off and on for the last year, but more noticeable and constant for the last two months. I'm not sure if related, but I've been getting bleeding gums and can't floss without every single gum bleeding.

When I wake up, I swear their is dried blood on the roof of my mouth (not from the gums). This is concerning me.

Would you advise seeing a doctor to rule out a tumor or something else?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
infection/inflammation of the gums most common cause of bleeding

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is understandable to be concerned.
`
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) or infection of the gums are the most common reasons for bleeding from the gums though there are other possible causes.

Cancer of the mouth can also cause bleeding but it is not as common.

It would best to see a doctor to assess your mouth, you may want to consider a dentist first since it involves the gums.
If an infection of the gums is present then antibiotics would be needed.

Difficulty swallowing can be related to reflux, post nasal drip or the presence of a structure in the throat causing blockage.
With your history of severe reflux it is possible that it may have caused some scarring of the esophagus that may affect swallowing.

Summary: (1) inflammation or infection of the gums are more common than tumor but you need to see a dentist to check

(2)difficulty swallowing can be due to different possible causes but this can be assessed by your doctor by examination of your throat

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16845 Questions

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What Causes Gum Bleeding While Having Persistent Heartburn?

Brief Answer: infection/inflammation of the gums most common cause of bleeding Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is understandable to be concerned. ` Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) or infection of the gums are the most common reasons for bleeding from the gums though there are other possible causes. Cancer of the mouth can also cause bleeding but it is not as common. It would best to see a doctor to assess your mouth, you may want to consider a dentist first since it involves the gums. If an infection of the gums is present then antibiotics would be needed. Difficulty swallowing can be related to reflux, post nasal drip or the presence of a structure in the throat causing blockage. With your history of severe reflux it is possible that it may have caused some scarring of the esophagus that may affect swallowing. Summary: (1) inflammation or infection of the gums are more common than tumor but you need to see a dentist to check (2)difficulty swallowing can be due to different possible causes but this can be assessed by your doctor by examination of your throat I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions