Hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone, cause bleeding gums by increasing blood flow to the gums, making them sensitive and prone to inflammation (gingivitis), especially during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. These hormonal shifts make gum tissue more reactive to plaque, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding even with light brushing or flossing.
“Women are more sensitive to the presence of plaque and bacteria around the gums when the hormone levels are high,” says ADA dentist Dr. Sally Cram. “This can cause your gums to become inflamed, swell and bleed.
The 11 Signs of Hormonal Imbalance and What to Do
Good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are the best defense and treatment for gingivitis, especially if you're at risk for hormonal gingivitis. Brush your teeth 2-3 times daily, and floss every day to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup.
It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body, promoting healthy tooth development and preventing tooth decay. Vitamin D deficiency can weaken the teeth, making them more susceptible to tooth decay. Low levels of vitamin D have also been associated with gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis.
What are the signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
Some examples of autoimmune diseases that can lead to bleeding gums include systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjögren's Syndrome.
And, the researchers found that increasing daily intake of vitamin C in those people with low vitamin C plasma levels helped to reverse these bleeding issues.
Causes
Here are some ways to naturally balance your hormones.
Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch for:
Elevated cortisol levels can lead to increased gum inflammation, making your gums more prone to bleeding. Additionally, stress can disrupt saliva production, resulting in dry mouth, which further heightens the risk of gum problems.
Symptoms of high estrogen levels
It's important to treat bleeding gums as it can be a sign of gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal disease. It is caused by bacteria, so the first step is to keep up good oral hygiene so that you tackle bacterial plaque. Continue brushing twice a day, flossing daily and visiting your dentist twice a year.
Gum inflammation, bleeding gums, and loose teeth indicate a vitamin C deficiency. Since vitamins are crucial in producing collagen, they keep your gums healthy and strong. Add citrus fruits like oranges and lemons to fulfill this lack, or choose peppers, spinach, berries, and broccoli.
Vitamin C has low toxicity and is not believed to cause serious adverse effects at high intakes [8]. The most common complaints are diarrhea, nausea, abdominal cramps, and other gastrointestinal disturbances due to the osmotic effect of unabsorbed vitamin C in the gastrointestinal tract [4,8].
Patients with leukemia can experience various symptoms that can cause pain and discomfort. This includes oral health issues like bleeding gums, also known as gingival bleeding, which can occur from bruising and plaque build-up alongside the gum line.
People with Sjögren's might experience symptoms like:
The top 5 worst autoimmune diseases are giant cell myocarditis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. These diseases can cause a lot of harm and even death if not managed well.
What can I drink to balance my hormones? Herbal teas such as spearmint, chamomile, or green tea can help support hormone regulation and reduce stress.
9 Signs Your Hormones Are Out of Whack