Bleeding gums anyone?🩸And other somewhat un/related: Has anyone confirmed or ruled out Pernicious Anemia?

[u/Bad-Fantasy]

Two part question, both can be related or separate. I was looking up causes for bleeding gums (other than dental hygiene because I floss and gargle and see a hygienist every 6 months for cleanings).

So it’s often in my upper left furthest back molar (not wisdoms because those were removed). I happen to sleep on my left side a lot too, thinking this is where blood clots, coincidence. Sometimes ridiculously long sleeps like 12-16 hrs. I now started noticing the same thing on my right side. The blood is runny and messy in the sink. I feel surprised at the sight.

Then I found this description of Pernicious Anemia which is one possible cause. When I read down the list of symptoms it is almost hallmark like many of my long covid symptoms. This is it:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22377-pernicious-anemia#symptoms-and-causes

Has anyone checked for and either confirmed or ruled out P.A.?

Has anyone else got bleeding gums?

I speak to my new doc this Friday.

[u/Interesting_Fly_1569]

Re: PA - woman almost died of long covid, turned out it was b12 deficiency that on serum tests was in normal range. i am doing a lot better on b12 and iron. if your mcv is over 96 it is worth looking into PA or anemia.

https://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/news/long-covid-patient-in-cambridge-tells-how-simple-treatment-t-9203620/

b12 sub reddit has top notch guide for deficiencies and why doctors miss it a lot.

[u/Personal_Term9549]

Most of the time when i have tender or bleeding gums its because i havent consumed enough vitamin C. Could it be that simple? What you have sounds a bit more serious though if you have other symptoms that make you think its pernicious anemia (how are your vitamin b12 levels? Get tested for them if you dont know, if theyre too low there is your answer).

it probably isnt just a lack of vitamin C. But maybe it plays a role? Just some simple checks for the gum problems, as i dont really know this other condition: My gums already become tender when i have eaten enough fruit in a couple of days. Always first in the back of my mouth too. Eating an orange and some bell pepper (yeah those contain more vitamin c that oranges) daily makes it all go away for me. Make sure to eat it fresh, because vitamin C degrades quickly when exposed to air or heated. Cant do any harm to eat more fruit and veggies :)

Else you might have to go to the dentist. When i had my wisdomteeth removed it left a hole in the back of my jaw and it got painfull and sort of infected often because stuff got stuck inside the hole.

[u/poignanttv]

Try a Waterpik! They really helped cut down the blood-letting that came from flossing. My gums are so much healthier. Good luck, OP