Common Causes Of Sore Gums

Vitamin K Deficiency

Vitamin K helps the blood in the body form clots, and a vitamin K deficiency may lead to bleeding gums, nosebleeds, easy bruising, blood in the urine or stool, and heavy menstrual periods. Patients with this deficiency may also have internal bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract. To diagnose a vitamin deficiency, doctors will do special blood tests that check clotting time. Patients who are identified as having a deficiency in vitamin K will be given either oral vitamin K tablets or injections to bring levels back within the normal range. If the vitamin deficiency is caused by a chronic condition, patients may need to take vitamin K supplements for their entire lives. Patients should use an electric toothbrush and brush very gently to ease the sore and bleeding gums that may occur. Flossing should be done with a water pick, and patients may wish to receive more frequent professional dental cleanings. Patients should inform their dentist they have a vitamin K deficiency before undergoing any cleanings or examinations. Doctors may prescribe additional medications to help patients manage the bleeding caused by this condition.

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