Brushing or flossing aggressively, an injury to your mouth, a pregnancy, or an inflammation from an infection can all cause bleeding gums. Gum inflammation and swelling are apparent with a change in tissue color from a healthy pink to darker red and increased sensitivity. Usually, it is a sign of periodontal disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. Gum disease is the direct result of both plaque and tartar building up on your teeth.
Identifying the precise cause of your bleeding gums is essential in choosing the appropriate treatment. Once your dentist determines the source, such as gum disease versus pregnancy, you and your dentist will then exercise the pertinent treatment to stop the gum bleeding.
Several Methods to Stop Bleeding Gums
Schedule an appointment to visit your dentist if your gums do not stop bleeding within a few days. You may just need a professional teeth cleaning to remove the buildup of harmful plaque and tartar. Your dentist could also order lab work to identify any other causes of your gum bleeding. Here are some techniques for you to exercise:
- Practice Appropriate Oral Hygiene- Bleeding gums are quite often a sign of poor dental self-hygiene at home. Gums bleed and become swollen when there is an increased plaque accumulation. Plaque is a clear, sticky film containing bacteria that remains on your teeth. To simply practice good oral hygiene, brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss daily to stay ahead of the daily buildup.
- Reduce Your Stress Level- Research studies have proven there is a direct link between periodontal disease and emotional stress. Research has proven that your emotional stress has a negative impact on your immune system. This impact can then weaken your body’s defenses to properly fight a gum infection.
- Increase Your Vitamin C- Vitamin C strengthens your immune system and helps ward off the gum infection that is causing your bleeding gums.
- Increase Your Vitamin K- A vitamin K supplement will also help you avoid bleeding gums. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for your immune system, helping with blood clotting.
- Apply a Cold Compress- Gum disease is not the sole source of bleeding gums. Your gums might be bleeding from an injury to your mouth. Applying a cold compress reduces the swelling and reduces the blood flow to stop the bleeding.
- Rinse with Salt Water- Excessive bacteria in your mouth result in gum disease. Rinsing with warm salt water reduces unwanted bacteria and helps stop gum bleeding.
- Rinse with Hydrogen Peroxide- You can also use hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant. It can remove plaque, promote healthy gums, and even stop bleeding gums.
- Eat Fewer Carbs- Reducing your ingestion of carbohydrates can also improve your gum health and prevent gum disease. Both carbohydrates and sugary foods promote and accelerate plaque.
- Stop Smoking- Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, a stroke, and is also linked to gum disease. Smoking is a primary and leading cause of severe gum disease according to the CDC, or the Centers for Disease Control. Smoking will reduce your body’s natural immune system, making it far more challenging to ward off plaque bacteria. This will easily lead to gum disease.