What Causes Gum Bleeding?

Posted on Thu, 17 Jul 2014

Question: Hi, I woke up this morning with a bloodstain on my pillow that was the size of a US quarter. I am a 44-year-old female with no health issues. This is the first time something like this has happened. There was no inflammation of the gums and no cuts in my mouth. There was no blood when I spat in the sink in the morning and I do not have any symptoms other than a very very slight sore and dry throat which improved after drinking two glasses of water. Other than that, I feel fine.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
there maybe a gum bleed!

Detailed Answer:
hello

since the amount of bleeding is small and you dont seem to be having any other complaints , i think the bleeding would have come from your gums as they are the most common site of bleeding in the mouth.

Gum bleeds can be due to a variety of reasons , commonest being plaque in the gums causing swelling and infection.

please meet your dentist , who will examine you and confirm this and prescribe the necessary medications.

meanwhile i would recommend that you start gargling with hexidine mouth wash 2-3 times a day.

thanks

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

Follow up: Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (33 minutes later)

Thank you, Dr Bakshi. I will make an appointment with my dentist. I thought I had healthy gums because they're a nice light pink color. I went back to examine my pillow case and saw a microscopic piece of a clot. In addition, my throat seems to feel a bit swollen. It's not as dry as it was in the morning but it's not quite normal. Could an infection of the gums also affect the throat?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes it can

Detailed Answer:
es

absolutely!!
gums can be a source of infection in your throat and vice versa,

please meet your dentist,!!

thanks

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

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