Dentist

If you have b12 defiency/pernicious anaemia will it make your gums bleed more? I saw a new Denist today and she lectured me on my bleeding gums after she’d prodded them a hundred times. I tried to explain it was because I was deficient in b12, but she wasn’t listening. Am I wrong?

[wedgewood]

But you shouldn’t have bleeding gums if you are adequately treated for your b12 deficiency. There are other conditions and vitamin deficiencies that can cause bleeding gums . Your dentist should have questioned you to try to find out the reason or reasons for your bleeding gums, not just lectured you .

[Nackapan]

My dentist ssud b12 deficiency definitely affects your teeth and gums.Also commented on oral hygiene goid .

I've had alot of trouble since b12 deficiency found despite b1e injections at frequent intervals

Had mouth ulcers ( folate level fibe)

Oral thrush twice.

A tooth extraction and anaesthetic injections not numbing /taking as well.

Had to go 4 tinrs during lockdiwn.

Not good.

Aksonpkaque build up csn causes bleeding as dentists weren't doing routine stuff

[Gambit62 Administrator]

B12 deficiency compromises your immune system making you more prone to infections. Bleeding gums are generally a sign of infection - generally from a dentists perspective this happens when there is a build up of plaque which is a sign of poor oral hygiene - doesn't excuse the unhelpful attitude of your dentist but may explain the response you got. Did they recommend anything to treat the problem?

[Sleepybunny]

Hi,

I had bleeding gums for years....shame my various dentists didn't suggest it could be B12 deficiency.

I have found bleeding gums mentioned as a potential symptom of B12 deficiency in some articles.

Article below suggests that dentists could be useful in helping to diagnose B12 deficiency.

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/197...

Link to a thread I started on signs of B12 deficiency in the mouth

healthunlocked.com/pasoc/po...

[Ghound]

Hi, I'm speaking with my former " Tutor in dental nursing " hat on ; As Wedgwood said, if you're not deficient in vitamins / minerals, if you don't have any other relevant health condition - then the bleeding is almost likely associated with oral hygiene.

What many people don't realise is that gums are different from almost any other tissue in the body regarding bleeding.

If you had a bleeding wound on say, your arm, you'd be gentle and wouldn't disturb it so it could heal.

Gums are the total opposite, if they're bleeding they need even more intensive cleaning and flossing to prevent further inflammation.

As others have said, your dentist should have explained this and not just ranted at you.

You should have a thorough scale and polish, probably with a hygienist and oral hygiene advice.

Many dentists employ hygienists on a private basis and even if you are an NHS patient, will direct you towards paying for private hygienist appointments. However if there is a dental requirement for treatment (i.e. not just cleaning for cosmetic purpose ) then that should be offered on the NHS.

I hope you receive the correct treatment soon, best wishes x

[deniseinmilden in reply to Ghound]

Balm to my ears!! Thank you so much for your reply.

It's good to know that the thinking and training behind dentistry is correct, even if it doesn't get "to the coalface" very often!

Good dentists are like good vets, good Drs and other health practioners - life-changing wonders of the universe and in relatively short supply!

[Ghound in reply to deniseinmilden]

Thanks, and I totally agree with you ! X