How to Get My Gums to Stop Bleeding
You may not think much of your gums starting to bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. But if it continues bleeding gums is an indicator of an underlying problem.
There are a variety of factors that con contribute to bleeding gums, such as brushing too vigorously, an injury, a pregnancy, and inflammation from gum disease. Infections will cause inflammation and a change in the color of your gums from a healthy pink to red. It will also cause swelling, and increased tenderness, and it is most often the sign of periodontal disease. Gum disease is the result of an accumulation or build-up of plaque and tartar on your teeth.
Identifying the source of your bleeding gums is crucial in determining the proper treatment. Once you identify the cause, such as a pregnancy versus a gum disease, you can choose from proven ways to stop your bleeding gums.
Proven Methods to Stop Bleeding Gums
Schedule an appointment to see your dentist if gum bleeding does not stop within a week. You might need a deep dental cleaning to remove the build-up of plaque and tartar. Your dentist can also order lab results to identify any vitamin deficiencies that could also be the cause for your gum bleeding.
- Exercise good oral hygiene- Bleeding gums most often are a sign of poor dental hygiene. Your gums become inflamed and bleed when the plaque builds up. Plaque is a sticky film containing bacteria that sticks to your teeth. To improve your oral hygiene, brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.
- Reduce stress level- Research suggests there is a link between periodontal disease and emotional stress. According to the studies, emotional stress negatively impacts your immune system. This can result in the weakening of your body’s defenses, and it cannot fight a gum infection.
- Rinse with hydrogen peroxide- You can use hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant. It can help remove plaque, promote good gum health, and stop the gum bleeding.
- Rinse with salt water- Any bacteria in your mouth will cause gum disease. Rinsing with a mixture of warm salt water will reduce bacteria and can stop gum bleeding.
- Stop smoking- In addition to increasing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, smoking is also linked to gum disease. Smoking is a major cause of severe gum disease in the United States. Smoking lowers your body’s immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off plaque bacteria. This will lead to gum disease.
- Increase your vitamin C- Vitamin C will strengthen your immune system and help combat the gum infections that cause bleeding gums.
- Increase your vitamin K- A supplemental vitamin K can help alleviate bleeding gums. Vitamin K is an important nutrient helping your blood clot.
- Apply a cold compress- Your bleeding gums might be the result of some trauma or an injury. A cold compress can reduce the swelling and restrict blood flow to stop the bleeding.
- Eat fewer carbs- By reducing your carbohydrate intake you can also improve your gum health and prevent gum disease and bleeding gums.
- Both carbohydrates and sugary foods encourage plaque and damaging bacteria buildup.