Bleeding gums : Nutrition Deficiency?

[zobee 0]

Okay, so here's the thing ...

Before surgery, the internist said that my bloodwork looked good, but I had a Vitamin D deficiency, and that she would tell my doctor I needed some RX strength supplements. Those never materialized, and while I realize I should have asked the surgeon, to be honest, there was so much going on at the time and it all happened so fast, that I just plain forgot about it.

I was on a liquid diet for ten days before surgery, then again for fourteen days after surgery. Including the day of surgery, that is 25 days of liquid dieting.

I've been on full foods for about a week now, and I'm really trying to get my Vitamins and Protein in. I'm taking two chewable Flintstones vitamins each day, as per the PA, and I'm taking in at least 50 g of protein each day but ...

My gums are bleeding. Everytime I brush my teeth, which is about four to five times a day (I know, I have issues, lol), my gums bleed. I know this is not a gingivitis thing, because I have braces (yes, I am 45 with braces, ha ha) and I'm at the orthodontist once a month. My teeth are in good shape in terms of oral hygiene. This must be a nutrition thing.

My question: Has this happened to anyone else? And does anyone know which nutrient deficiencies cause bleeding gums?

Thanks so much for your input!

[Humming Bird 275]

There are several things that cause bleeding gums.

Do you floss at least 1x per day? yes, even with braces.

Are you taking any Rx meds?

Do you take asprin or ibuprophen?

Do you have diabetes?

Did you recently stop smoking?

How often do you have your teeth cleaned by a hygienist?

Has the hygienist told you that you have pockets in the past?

Are you a mouth breather?

Edited January 2, 2010 by Humming Bird

[zobee 0]

Do you floss at lest 1x per day? yes, even with braces.

Sure do. Brush at least four times a day, floss daily and use my Water Pic every day as well! I have OCD issues with oral hygiene. Maybe I need therapy

Are you taking any Rx meds?

Yes, but no new Rx meds. The same ones I've been taking for several years.

Do you take asprin or ibuprophen? Do you have diabetes?

No and No. :glare:

Did you recently stop smoking?

Sort of -- about 12 weeks ago, but my gums didn't start bleeding until about 3 weeks ago.

How often do you have your teeth cleaned by a hygienist?

Yearly. :cool2:

Has the hygienist told you that you have pockets in the past?

No. The hygienist always comments that my teeth are in excellent shape -- and is usually amazed at my total lack of plaque, so I know it isn't gingivitis, as it is my understanding that this is caused by plaque.

My meds haven't changed, so I don't think it has to do with that either. Considering that I was basically eating Jello and broth for twenty-five days, I'm thinking it's probably a nutrition thing. I'd like to know which ones it might be, so I can try to eat foods higher in those nutrients. I was hoping that if someone else had a similar problem, then could share what their doctor told them, or maybe someone knows someone else who had the same issues and can throw a clue or two my way.

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it!

[Humming Bird 275]

Some of it could be the change from quitting smoking.

By all means, don't start again.

Your tissues get tough from the heat and other things related to smoking. If it is from that, it may take awhile for them to stop.

[zobee 0]

Oh I have no intention of starting again, LOL. I've made sure of that:

I bought an electronic cigarette and given myself full permission to use it anytime I feel like I need a hit of nicotine.

Problem is, the electronic cigarettes taste like dead people in your mouth. I do not like dead people in my mouth, lol, hence, I do not smoke.

I still believe it has more to do with nutrition, but I'll definitely keep your advise in mind. Thanks again for your input!

[Humming Bird 275]

1. <LI itxtvisited="1">People who are deficient in

Vitamin C may be at increased risk for periodontal disease. Vitamin C supplements can improve the gum health of those people who have a low Vitamin C intake (those who eat few fruits and vegetables). Vitamin C along with flavonoids (300 mg per day of each) have shown to improve gums health in people with gingivitis.

<LI itxtvisited="1">A 0.1% solution of folic acid used as a mouth rinse can reduce gum inflammation and bleeding in people with gingivitis.

Preliminary evidence has linked gingivitis to a coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency.

[Humming Bird 275]

it really sounds like you are getting enough vits.

I was told to take adult chewable Centrum, not flintstones. Maybe that would help.

oh, btw, I have been a dental hygienist for many years

[zobee 0]

Thanks for the info!

I think I'll wait until Monday and call my surgeon's office. I need to contact them anyway about the Vitamin D supplements I was supposed to get.

I suppose I could go get my teeth cleaned again, though it's only been a few months. It is after the first of the year, tho, so my insurance should pay for it. Never hurts to have your teeth cleaned!

Thanks again, I appreciate it!!

[Humming Bird 275]

I agree with you. I do not think it is an oral hygiene problem .... with the OCD and all. LOL

I love patients with that type of OCD ! I joke around with patients, friends and family about my own disorder that I call OCFD. (obcessive compulsive flossing disorder)

[MaryfromMI 5]

Have you had your braces on for long? I know that when I had them, there was a point where my gums became very puffy and they were very tender and would bleed every time I brushed. It was due to the teeth movement and the braces sort of squeezing the gums when your teeth would move together.

[zobee 0]

Yes, I've had them a good while now. I even skipped my December appointment with the orthodontist due to my surgery, so no major movements expected there either.

It's a mystery, lol!

[BetsyB 9]

Flintstones Vitamins are made for children, not bariatric patients. Invest in some good-quality bariatric Vitamins. And for heaven's sake, follow up with your doctor about the Vitamin D. It's available over the counter--s/he can look at your most recent bloodwork and determine the appropriate dose to add to your regimen. If it's above a certain level, he can prescribe.

You have been TOLD there is a deficiency. It is YOUR responsibility to follow through to protect your health.

[Humming Bird 275]

Just another thought ..............

I'm not saying it isn't a deficiency, but just trying to think of other things it could be. In most cases, it is not a deficiency that causes the gums to bleed. It is your body reacting to something. Your earlier example of plaque is a good one, but you do not let the plaque sit on your teeth long enough for that to be the cause.

Do you have the style of ortho where they put a little colored rubberband thing around the bracket to hold the wire in the bracket? If so, you could be developing a letex sensitivity/allergy. I have seen this in quite a few ortho patients , who have great oral hygiene, over the years. It would be worth asking the orthodontist about. As soon as the ortho comes off, these patients gums get better quickly.

These types of sensitivities/allergies happen over a period of time. Example : a nurse could wear latex gloves for 20 years and then develop an allergy to them and have to switch to wearing another type of gloves.

My thoughts are that your body is sending extra blood cells to the area to take care of business. It may not like something about the ortho (happens over time).

Bleeding gums is gingivitis.

the gingiva= gums, itis = inflamation

When there is something in the area of the gingiva that it doesn't like (plaque, latex, popcorn hull...), the body tries to take care of it's self. The white blood cells are part of our body's immune system and they are sent to the area to fight like little pac-man soldiers. There are so many close to the surface, when you brush or floss they get released. If we take away the irritant, the body stops sending the blood cells to they area and the gums no longer bleed.

[zobee 0]

@Betsy B Boy oh boy are you right about that! I have learned over the years that you really have to be your own health advocate -- which is why I am trying to track down some answers (since everything is closed until Monday). I thought the Flintstones thing was pretty odd, too, but what do I know, lol - I'm no nutritionist, and the bottle does have adult dosages listed. The only reason I don't run out and get Vitamin D OTC is because it is my understanding that this is one of those Vitamins that build up in your system, and that can be as bad a thing as not having enough. I really do need to talk to my doctor (good luck there, lol), or maybe to my regular GP.

@Humming Bird - Hm, that could be it - the elastic thing. And it could be a piece of popcorn kernel that has slipped out of the reach of my floss/water pick. Either way, I think I'll call my dentist on Monday and make an appointment for another cleaning. And good to know about the gingivitis thing - thanks!

[JoJo1 0]

The whole time I was reading these posts, I was thinking you might be over doing the brushing and causing the inflammation!! Maybe you could try just being a little more gentle for a few weeks and see if it helps..