Bleeding gums are a common problem, but not something to worry about as they can be treated. This problem may be due to tartar and plaque buildup, which causes bacteria growth along the gum line. Other causes of bleeding gums and sensitivity include failure to brush often, using a hard or stiff toothbrush, regular use of dental floss, prolonged intake of medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood thinners.
Using a frayed toothbrush that’s no longer effective may cause gum bleeding. Gingivitis, a periodontal disease that causes redness, irritation, and inflammation of your gingiva, may also lead to gum bleeding.
1. Practice good hygiene
Bleeding gums signify poor oral hygiene. When plaque builds up along your gum line, gums may inflame and bleed. To boost your oral hygiene, consider brushing at least twice a day. After brushing, you can use a bleeding gums mouthwash to kill germs, control gingivitis, and soothe your gums. Flossing once a day can also remove bacteria, plaque, food, and debris trapped between your teeth to prevent bad breath.
2. Avoid smoking
Smoking is rated as a top cause of gum disease and tooth loss. It not only gives you bad breath and affects the color of your teeth, but it also weakens your body’s immune system, making it difficult to heal tissues and causing gum disease. To prevent smoking-related gum diseases, quit smoking or seek help if you can’t do it alone.
3. Boost your vitamin C intake
Eating vitamin C-rich foods strengthens your immune system, helping you fight off bleeding gum infections. Insufficient vitamin C in your diet worsens gum bleeding and may cause it. Consider taking sweet potatoes, oranges, red peppers, and carrots to boost your vitamin C intake and stop gum bleeding. Since vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, it builds up connective tissues and ensures gum lining protection.
4. Use the right toothbrush
If your gums are sensitive, consider using toothbrushes labeled as sensitive or extra soft. It’s recommended that you should brush your toothbrush with soft bristles for at least two minutes every day. If the toothbrush bristles become visibly frayed or matted, or you’ve used your toothbrush for three to four months, replace it. If you want brushes that can be used effectively, go for the powered or manual ones.
5. Rinse your mouth with saltwater and try ice
Rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce bacteria and speed up your gums’ recovery. To make your salt rinse, mix eight warm water ounces with half a teaspoon of salt, swish the solution around your mouth for cleansing, and then spit out. Repeat as instructed by the dentist or several times a day.
Using an ice cube, a small ice pack, or a cool compress, gently press against the bleeding gums to help soothe them. Ice packs come in handy, especially when you have swelling resulting from minor mouth injuries like scrapes and cuts. They also reduce the swelling and pain from gingivitis.
6. Use a gauze
Just like with bleeding on other body parts, consider holding a clean, damp gauze against your gums to help stop bleeding. While gently pressing the gauze, ensure it remains in place until the blood flow stops. If you have a weak immune system or an underlying health problem, your gums may take longer to stop bleeding. Consider consulting a dentist to find the best way out.
7. Reduce stress
According to a study, there’s a link between emotional stress and periodontal disease. Emotional stress negatively impacts the immune system, resulting in weak body defenses that fight gum infection. It may also contribute to people neglecting their oral health, resulting in plaque and tartar buildup. While stress is a part of daily life, finding ways to relieve it can boost your immune system and heal your connective tissues, stopping gum bleeding.
8. Focus on your diet
To boost your dental health and curb gum disease, consider lowering your carbohydrate intake. This is because sugary foods and carbohydrates stick to your gums and teeth to encourage bacteria growth and plague along your gum lining, causing bleeding gums, gum inflammation, and tooth decay. While flossing and brushing can reduce its buildup, reducing your carbs intake can help to prevent plaque formation.
Eating crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery in between meals helps clean the teeth. Their crunchiness helps remove food residue from your teeth. Since they’re low in carbs and sugar, they don’t promote gum diseases and tooth decay. Additionally, eating leafy greens containing vitamin K nutrients can help stop gum bleeding. This is because vitamin K deficiency affects how long it takes for blood to clot, increasing bleeding.
9. Seek medical treatment
Gum redness, bleeding, and pain are unusual. If the problem doesn’t go away even after practicing good oral hygiene, consider seeking medical attention as this could be an early sign of gum. The medication and oral practices prescribed by your dentist can help stop gum bleeding and more severe health concerns like oral cancer.
Endnote
Oral health is an essential factor of overall health. Regular dental checkups can help identify gum diseases before they become severe. Be sure that you don’t ignore gum bleeding as it may cause an infection and tooth loss if left untreated.